Seventh Circuit Electronic Discovery Pilot Program Releases Final Phase Two Report

June 27, 2012

The Seventh Circuit Electronic Discovery Pilot Program has released its Final Report on Phase Two, May 2010 to May 2012. The Seventh Circuit Electronic Discovery Pilot Program originated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois as a response to widespread discussion about the rising burden and cost of electronic discovery. The effort was inspired by the ACTL Task Force and IAALS Final Report, as well as The Sedona Conference® Principles. Phase One of the Pilot Program was conducted from October 2009 through March 2010. Phase Two included a longer testing period from May 2010 to May 2012. The number of participants grew in Phase Two, with 40 participating judges and a total of 296 cases in which the Pilot Program Principles were tested. The Phase Two Survey results reflect that in those cases where the Principles are perceived to have had an effect, both judges and attorneys report the effects are overwhelmingly positive and are perceived to result in more cooperation, more access to needed information, and more fairness.

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