Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)

Stage 1

Information goverence before the fact to assess what data exists and to allow scoping and control of what data needs to be provided

Stage 2

Identification of electronically stored information so that you know what you have and where is it

Stage 3

Preservation of the information to ensure that it isn’t changed or destroyed

Stage 4

Collection of the information so that it can be processed and managed as part of the collection process

Stage 5

Processing of the data to remove unneeded or irrelevant information, as well as preparing it for review and analysis by formatting or collating it

Step 6

Review of the data to ensure that it only contains what it is supposed to, and that information that should not be shared is not included

Step 7

Analysis of the information to identify key elements like topics, terms, and individuals or organizations

Step 8

Production of the data to provide the information to third parties or those involved in legal proceedings

Step 9

Presentation of the data, both for testimony in court and for further analysis with experts or involved parties