Insights Articles

1. AI and GenAI Added More Efficiency in Review 

2025 marked the year when artificial intelligence and generative AI shifted from pilot programs to mainstream use in document review. Forward-looking teams no longer view AI as an experimental add-on—they now rely on it to accelerate workflows, identify relevant content, and improve efficiency. 

Key impacts include:

• Reduced time spent on first-pass review without compromising quality 
  
  
• Greater adoption of existing analytics methodologies such as Continuous Active Learning (CAL) 
  
  
• Improved consistency in issue coding and tagging with using Technology Assisted Review (TAR) 

These developments demonstrate that successful eDiscovery strategy increasingly depends on integrating AI thoughtfully, with human oversight to ensure defensibility. 

2. Remote and Hybrid Review Models Solidified 

While remote review gained traction during the pandemic, 2025 proved that hybrid and fully remote models are here to stay. Legal teams discovered that flexible review arrangements can: 

• Expand access to specialized reviewers across geographies 
  
  
• Reduce costs associated with physical office space 
  
  
• Maintain high productivity and confidentiality through digital collaboration tools and security controls 

The result is more resilient review operations that scale with case volume—an insight that should influence legal ops planning throughout 2026. 

3. Data Volumes Continued to Expand Dramatically 

Digital transformation across industries contributed to ever-growing data sets. From messaging platforms and collaborative tools to cloud repositories, the scope of discoverable information increased significantly in 2025. 

Teams that embraced data analytics and AI-driven workflows managed these surges effectively, while those relying on manual processes experienced delays and rising costs. Incorporating effective data mapping and targeted retrieval techniques is now essential to controlling timelines and budgets. 

4. Cross-Border and Multijurisdictional Discovery Became More Complex 

Globalization and evolving privacy regulations drove more cases that spanned multiple jurisdictions. Legal teams faced new challenges around: 

• Data residency and transfer restrictions 
  
  
• Compliance with international privacy and security laws 
  
  
• Coordinating review teams across different geographies and departments 

Effective legal ops planning now requires anticipating cross-border complexities and selecting partners or technology platforms capable of meeting these demands. 

5. Metrics and Reporting Gained Strategic Importance 

In 2025, legal teams increasingly relied on real-time dashboards and analytics to monitor review progress, quality, and risk. Data-driven insights allowed teams to: 

• Track costs and efficiency across projects 
  
  
• Make timely course corrections on large review efforts 
  
• Demonstrate value to clients and stakeholders 

These measurement tools are no longer just operational—they are strategic. Aligning metrics with broader eDiscovery strategy enables leadership to plan resource allocation, staffing, and technology adoption more effectively. 

6. Discovery Became Integral to Overall Case Strategy 

Perhaps the most significant shift of 2025 is how discovery is now treated as a strategic driver rather than a purely operational function. Top-performing teams integrated discovery planning into early case strategy, leading to: 

• Better anticipation of document and data needs 
  
  
• More accurate risk assessment and more informed settlement analysis 
  
  
• Efficient use of internal and external resources 

This alignment ensures that discovery supports the larger legal strategy, rather than operating in isolation—a trend that will continue to shape litigation success in 2026. 

Applying 2025 Lessons to 2026 

The trends from 2025 emphasize that success in discovery is about more than just managing documents—it’s about strategic foresight, smart technology adoption, and proactive operational planning. 

As legal teams set priorities for 2026, consider: 

• Evaluating and updating eDiscovery strategy to reflect AI-driven workflows and hybrid review models 
  
  
• Incorporating review trends and metrics from 2025 into process optimization for speed, accuracy, and cost control 
  
  
• Strengthening legal ops planning to account for growing data volumes, cross-border complexities, and compliance requirements 

By applying these insights, teams can enter the new year with a clear roadmap that aligns operational efficiency with broader litigation goals. 

At Array, we are ready to support legal teams in 2026 with end-to-end litigation services that streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and mitigate risk. From document management and large-scale review to subpoena services and analytics, we provide the infrastructure and expertise legal teams need to stay ahead of evolving discovery trends and deliver measurable value in every matter. 

Julia Helmer, Director of Client Solutions

With 15 years of expertise, Julia excels at optimizing enterprise eDiscovery workflows from start to finish. With a deep understanding of how to seamlessly integrate workflows across various eDiscovery platforms, Julia creates tailored solutions for data identification, legal holds, ESI collections, and productions. By harnessing the power of Technology Assisted Review and Analytics, she delivers efficient, cost-effective results that align with best practices and budgetary constraints. Julia’s exceptional communication and customer service skills have fostered strong, lasting relationships with both clients and Project Management teams, enabling her to effectively problem-solve and drive success across numerous projects.