On this Earth Day, have you considered that choosing greener legal technology isn’t just an environmental decision — it could make your law firm more competitive?
More than half (52%) of corporate legal departments are requesting sustainability credentials from law firms as part of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies, according to Wolters Kluwer, and another 40% plan to make such a request in the next three years. That means your firm might be asked about the sustainability policies of your vendors in the next RFP you receive for a company’s litigation work, for example.
ESG compliance refers to the understanding and implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance guidelines mandated by governmental and regulatory bodies. In simpler terms, ESG compliance means that companies commit to meeting certain standards and best practices in three key areas:
- Environmental: Focusing on a company’s impact on the environment, including reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices.
- Social: Considering how a company treats people, encompassing factors like employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, labor practices, and community engagement.
- Governance: Pertaining to how a company is managed, involving transparency, ethical behavior, board composition, executive compensation, and risk management.
By adhering to ESG guidelines, organizations aim to create value not only for shareholders but also for society and the planet. ESG compliance is essential for responsible business practices, risk mitigation, and building trust with stakeholders.
Law firms can prepare to become more ESG-compliant by taking a “green” approach to electronic discovery that reduces their energy footprint. An eDiscovery provider can help identify specific areas to address and execute a strategic plan.
What is green eDiscovery?
eDiscovery can involve massive amounts of data, which takes energy to access and store on servers. As a result, companies are turning to “green eDiscovery,” which uses strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of data storage and access, putting your firm in a more favorable position with your ESG-conscious clients. Some of these strategies include:
- Document repositories: A shared digital storage space where approved employees can store and access Word documents, emails, PDF files, photos, graphics, and more. Because a document is stored only once in the repository rather than on each team member’s individual computer, the document repository reduces the amount of storage space and provides a secure environment for sensitive information.
- Nearline and cold storage: These are innovative, cost-effective ways to store large amounts of data that are not frequently accessed. Companies typically use nearline storage for data that is accessed once a month or less and cold storage for archival data and backups.
- Cloud and local storage: Local storage can be accessed faster, but that speed requires more energy usage. With cloud storage, a company can minimize the expense of server equipment and maintenance.
At Array, our mission is to pioneer green eDiscovery solutions that reduce the energy footprint of data storage and access. By implementing these innovative strategies, we enable our clients to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and security.
Array and sustainability
Our commitment goes beyond providing cutting-edge technology. Our team of experts work closely with clients to identify areas for improvement and develop custom sustainability plans that align with their unique needs and goals. We recognize that every firm is different, and we are dedicated to providing personalized support to help our clients succeed in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.
Law firms have seen substantial growth in ESG initiatives from corporate clients, but simply providing legal counsel on ESG does not go far enough. Firms need to take strides toward creating their own ESG policies and sustainability credentials, and implementing a green eDiscovery strategy is a great first action to take.
On this Earth Day, we invite you to join us in embracing a greener future for eDiscovery. Whether you are a law firm looking to enhance your ESG compliance or a corporate legal department seeking to work with sustainably minded partners, Array is here to support you every step of the way.
Take action today. Contact our team to learn more about how our green eDiscovery solutions can give you a competitive edge while helping to protect our planet. Together, let’s make every day Earth Day in the legal industry.
Thadd Hale; Chief Executive Officer
Thadd has dedicated 17 years to the litigation technology field, honing his expertise in technology sales and operations through senior management positions with various national eDiscovery providers. In 2005, he co-founded Advanced Discovery, where he played a pivotal role for eight years in shaping the company’s technological direction, transforming it into a prominent national eDiscovery provider. Thadd’s entrepreneurial journey continued with the founding of eDepoze in 2014, a legal SaaS company. Its product serves over 100 law firms and government agencies, establishing itself as a key player in the industry. In 2020, when Array was formed through the merger of Innovative Litigation and iNSERViO3, Thadd ensured that it remained founder-owned. This decision guaranteed that the team had the authority to offer customized solutions, delivering exceptional service and maintaining a steadfast dedication to excellence.
