eDiscovery involves the identification, collection, preservation, processing, review, and production of electronically stored information (ESI) that is relevant to litigation or investigations. Given the vast amounts of data that organizations generate and store, complying with an eDiscovery request can indeed be time-consuming and expensive.

Key Points About eDiscovery:

Discovery Process: In litigation, parties are required to exchange information relevant to the case. This includes electronically stored information (ESI), such as emails, documents, databases, voicemails, social media, and more.

Challenges: Managing eDiscovery can be daunting due to the volume of data, the need for data security, and the requirement to ensure that relevant information is not inadvertently altered or destroyed (preservation of evidence).

Costs: The costs associated with eDiscovery are high because of the need for specialized technology and expertise to handle the data. This includes the use of software for data processing and analytics, as well as the hiring of legal and technical experts to manage the process.

Legal Outsourcing: Many organizations outsource eDiscovery to specialized legal service providers who have the expertise, technology, and infrastructure to handle large volumes of data efficiently and in compliance with legal requirements. These providers help mitigate the burden on in-house legal teams and can reduce costs.

Regulatory Compliance: Companies must ensure that their eDiscovery practices comply with various regulations and legal standards, which can vary by jurisdiction. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or unfavorable outcomes in litigation.