ZyLAB eDiscovery Software Simplifies Data Sampling with Its Enhanced Self-Service Tool for Attorneys and Paralegals

    MCLEAN, VA, August 22, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- ZyLAB, a leading eDiscovery and information management technology company, today debuted its enhanced, self-service data sampling tool for estimating the composition of large data volumes and measuring the quality of collections, search strategies, tagging accuracy, productions, and various other parameters defined by end users. The new tool was officially released at the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. The ZyLAB Data Sampler empowers practitioners to make informed decisions based on realtime insight so they may accelerate various iterative eDiscovery processes.

The ZyLAB Data Sampler provides a customizable and intuitive wizard interface with a random sequence algorithm running behind the scenes. On the front end, associates, paralegals and litigation support professionals simply select the parameters they wish to sample and run the randomizer on-the-fly. The sampling ratio is generally dictated by lead counsel based on risk tolerance, the purpose of the sample, and industry benchmarks for different scenarios.

"eDiscovery can be extremely time-consuming, expensive, and complex, but simple applications like the ZyLAB Data Sampler minimize the burdens and increase efficiency," said Mary Mack, Esq., enterprise technology counsel for ZyLAB. "At any stage of eDiscovery, ZyLAB end-users can assess things like their privilege review quality, the performance of search strings to reduce data, the completeness of disclosures, or the accuracy of machine-assisted processes, and immediately adapt to achieve optimal results."

The ZyLAB Data Sampler presents a simple step-by-step process for end-users:

1. Select Source. Select the data population, such as the complete data universe, a sample set of backup tapes, a complex search query, or documents tagged as privileged.
2. Measure. Run a baseline query to measure the size of the population.
3. Set Parameters. Define the desired size of the sample, such as 5% or a quantity of documents, based on counsels' thresholds for error, confidence level, and sample size.
4. Run the Sampler. The ZyLAB software generates and displays the random sample in a simple, optimized and constrained review tool.
5. Analyze. Select the property to validate, such as keywords, responsiveness, codes, or custodians.
6. Validate & Report. Reviewers code the sample documents for accuracy, such as Correct/Incorrect or Yes/No, and the system tracks the progress and provides full reporting.

For example, a legal team might want to verify that the pattern used to automatically redact Social Security Numbers and account numbers worked properly and did not redact responsive material. The group of redacted documents would be randomly sampled and a reviewer would page through the sample set very quickly. The sampling results would then be displayed, and if the data sample is for defensibility purposes, the results can be exported for inclusion with declarations or affidavits. If the sampling is for internal purposes only, the sample need not be completed before moving on to the next iteration.

The ZyLAB Data Sampler automatically logs the parameters and results of every data sample in order to provide complete transparency, repeatability, and defensibility. The reports capture elements like what was sampled, who was sampled, dates of the sample, sample sizes, how many were correct, how many were incorrect and the corresponding percentage. This information can be used as part of defensibility of search terms when an agreement cannot be reached, as well as during due diligence on privilege coding. The Data Sampler can also be used for quality control of reviewers, production sets ,and for burden and proportionality arguments.

"The industry has been on the look-out for an 'easy button' for sampling and here it is," continued Mack. "This technology removes doubt and uncertainty about machine assisted review. It allows the legal community to ground their results to show reasonableness of actions and due diligence when signing 26(g) certifications. Plus, it doesn't have to be relegated to administrators or statisticians; the legal team runs these samples on-the-fly to provide optimal turnaround times and help to achieve a better client outcome."

The ZyLAB eDiscovery & Production System and its data sampling tool are offered in accordance with recommendations from EDRM, The Sedona Conference, and TREC. For more information on the ZyLAB Data Sampler and our complete line of eDiscovery software and litigation support services, please call 1-866-995-2262 ext. 827 or visit www.zylab.com.

ZyLAB's products and services are used on an enterprise level by corporations, government agencies, courts, and law firms, as well as on specific matters for legal services, auditing, and accounting providers. For more information, please call 1-866-995-2262.

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