Litigation support practices often reach a crossroads where their basic document management and review services no longer meet evolving client demands. Law firms and corporate legal departments increasingly expect comprehensive eDiscovery capabilities that go far beyond traditional litigation support offerings. This shift represents both a significant opportunity and a complex operational challenge.
Making the transition from litigation support to full eDiscovery services requires careful planning, substantial investment, and strategic hiring decisions. You need to understand when the timing is right, what capabilities you actually need to develop, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that can derail expansion efforts. This guide walks you through the key indicators that suggest it’s time to expand, the technical and operational requirements involved, and practical strategies for building your eDiscovery team successfully.
Signs your litigation support practice needs eDiscovery expansion
Several key indicators signal when your litigation support practice is ready for eDiscovery expansion:
- Revenue plateaus despite consistent efforts – Your practice stops growing even with maintained marketing and client retention, suggesting you’ve maximised the potential of basic document review services
- Increasing client requests for advanced capabilities – Law firms ask about data processing capabilities, advanced analytics, and technology-assisted review options that exceed your current offerings
- Competitive pressure from full-service providers – Established eDiscovery companies win bids for work you previously handled, and clients mention competitors’ advanced capabilities during conversations
- Technology limitations become apparent – Your current tools can’t handle required data volumes, and you lack processing power for complex analytics or cross-border data management
- Favorable talent market conditions – Periods of experienced eDiscovery professional availability create cost-effective opportunities for building capabilities
These indicators collectively suggest that market demand has evolved beyond traditional litigation support services, creating both urgency and opportunity for practices ready to invest in comprehensive eDiscovery capabilities. When multiple signs appear simultaneously, the timing for expansion becomes particularly compelling.
What full eDiscovery capabilities actually involve
Full eDiscovery services encompass comprehensive technical and operational capabilities that extend far beyond basic litigation support:
- Advanced data processing infrastructure – Systems capable of handling multiple file types, email systems, and database formats while maintaining strict chain of custody requirements
- Sophisticated review platforms with analytics – Technology featuring predictive coding, technology-assisted review tools, and integration capabilities with various client systems and legal hold platforms
- Complex data workflow management – Processes for early case assessment, data culling, de-duplication, and format conversion across structured and unstructured data sources including mobile devices and cloud systems
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting – Detailed metrics, cost projections, timeline analysis, and strategic recommendations based on data patterns and case complexity assessments
- Expanded compliance expertise – Knowledge of cross-border data transfer regulations, industry-specific compliance standards, and evolving privacy laws affecting data handling procedures
- Enhanced quality control systems – Review protocols, accuracy testing procedures, and validation systems ensuring consistent output quality across different case types and larger data volumes
These capabilities work together to create a comprehensive service offering that addresses the full spectrum of modern eDiscovery needs. The integration of technical infrastructure, specialized expertise, and robust processes enables practices to handle complex, high-value engagements that generate significantly higher revenue than traditional litigation support services.
Building your eDiscovery team and infrastructure
Successful eDiscovery expansion requires strategic team building and infrastructure development across multiple areas:
- Core staffing positions – Hire eDiscovery project managers with large-scale review experience, technical analysts skilled in data processing and quality control, and client relationship managers who can communicate complex technical concepts effectively
- Existing staff development – Leverage litigation support professionals’ transferable skills in case management and client service while providing extensive training on advanced technology platforms and eDiscovery-specific processes
- Technology infrastructure investments – Implement robust hardware systems, advanced software platforms, and comprehensive security systems that meet legal industry standards for data protection and scalability
- Strategic vendor partnerships – Establish relationships with technology providers, hosting services, and specialised consultants who can supplement internal capabilities during peak demand or complex cases
- Standardised operational workflows – Develop consistent processes for intake, processing, review, and delivery phases that accommodate different case types, client requirements, and regulatory compliance needs
- Comprehensive training programs – Create structured learning paths for both new hires and existing staff, recognizing that technical platform expertise requires months of development before client-facing deployment
Building these elements systematically creates a foundation for sustainable growth and service quality. The investment in both human capital and technology infrastructure positions your practice to handle increasingly complex engagements while maintaining the operational efficiency necessary for profitability in the competitive eDiscovery market.
Common expansion mistakes that drain resources
Several critical errors can derail eDiscovery expansion efforts and waste significant resources:
- Premature scaling without client commitments – Investing in advanced technology and specialised staff before securing sufficient client contracts to support increased overhead costs
- Rushing inadequately trained staff into client roles – Deploying team members without proper technical platform expertise, leading to expensive mistakes, project delays, and damaged client relationships
- Selecting cost-driven technology over functionality – Choosing platforms that can’t handle target client data volumes or complexity levels, forcing expensive upgrades or complete system changes
- Poor communication about service changes – Failing to clearly explain expanded capabilities to existing litigation support clients while struggling to establish credibility with new eDiscovery prospects
- Underestimating total expansion costs – Overlooking training expenses, security compliance requirements, insurance adjustments, and extended sales cycles beyond obvious technology and staffing costs
- Applying inadequate quality control standards – Using litigation support quality measures for more complex eDiscovery workflows, resulting in errors and client dissatisfaction
These mistakes often compound each other, creating cascading problems that can severely damage both financial performance and market reputation. Successful practices avoid these pitfalls by taking a measured approach to expansion, investing adequately in preparation and training, and maintaining realistic timelines for capability development and client acquisition.
Successful eDiscovery expansion requires careful timing, comprehensive planning, and strategic talent acquisition. The transition from litigation support to full eDiscovery capabilities represents a significant business evolution that can substantially increase revenue potential and client value. However, the complexity and investment requirements mean that rushed or poorly planned expansions often fail to achieve their intended results. Focus on building solid foundations in technology, talent, and operational processes before pursuing aggressive growth targets. When you’re ready to build your eDiscovery team with experienced professionals who understand both the technical and legal aspects of this specialised field, we can help you identify candidates who will drive your expansion success.
