Defining Electronic Discovery

Electronic discovery, also termed eDiscovery or e-discovery, refers to the process of locating, collecting, and reviewing electronic information that could become evidence in legal proceedings.

It involves analyzing potentially relevant data such as emails, messages, spreadsheets, and databases to uncover facts that support a case.

Unlike routine data searches, eDiscovery operates within strict procedural and legal frameworks that demand accuracy and transparency at every step of the discovery process. Specifically, each document or file must retain its original structure and metadata to be admissible in court.

As digital evidence grows more complex, understanding eDiscovery has become essential for handling large volumes of information efficiently while staying compliant with evolving legal standards.

What is Electronically Stored Information?

Electronically stored information (ESI) refers to any data created, stored, or transmitted in digital form that may serve as relevant evidence during the discovery process.

In modern legal proceedings, most communication and recordkeeping happen electronically, which means valuable details are often buried within digital systems.

ESI covers everything from simple text files to complex databases. It can live on local drives, cloud platforms, mobile devices, or enterprise systems, and must be preserved and reviewed carefully to maintain its authenticity.

Legal teams analyze ESI to locate electronic documents or communications that may clarify key facts in a dispute.

Common examples of ESI include:

• Emails and attachments stored in corporate or personal accounts
• Instant messaging chats from platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp
• Video files and meeting recordings from conferencing tools
• Social media posts and comments relevant to a case
• Financial or business records stored in CRMs, ERPs, or accounting software
• Electronic documents such as contracts, spreadsheets, or reports

Properly managing electronic data sources helps make sure that no crucial information is lost or altered, which, in turn, helps keep all materials usable and defensible in court.

Electronic Discovery vs. Traditional Discovery

Traditional discovery once meant sorting through boxes of paper documents and filing cabinets. Every page had to be read, copied, and organized by hand, which was a time-consuming and expensive task that often led to delays and overlooked details.

Electronic discovery changes that approach by dealing with digital information rather than paper. Rather than flipping through files, legal teams can now search across emails, messages, and databases within seconds.

The shift has made discovery faster and more precise, but it’s also introduced new challenges. With so much digital data available, many organizations struggle to separate what’s truly important from non-relevant documents.

Key differences include:

• Volume: eDiscovery handles millions of files, while traditional methods focus on physical paper documents.
• Speed: Digital tools quickly filter and categorize data.
• Accuracy: Advanced search and analytics can uncover hidden evidence that manual reviews might miss.
• Complexity: Despite legal automation, managing multiple data formats and storage systems can still make eDiscovery a complex process.

Overall, eDiscovery provides deeper insight and control, but it requires the right tools and expertise to manage the growing scale of electronic evidence effectively.

Tools like Briefpoint help simplify this process by automating document drafting, production formatting, and Bates numbering, so teams can focus on the real work behind every case. Book a demo today.

Key Steps in the eDiscovery Process

The e-discovery process follows a structured framework that helps legal teams manage data efficiently and defensibly. Each stage builds on the last to make sure that all evidence remains accurate, traceable, and admissible throughout litigation or internal investigations.

1. Identification

The initial phase focuses on finding where potentially relevant documents or data exist. Teams work with IT staff and forensic investigators to locate files across servers, cloud storage, and personal devices. This stage often defines the scope of what needs to be reviewed later.

2. Preservation

Once data sources are identified, a legal hold is issued to prevent deletion or alteration. Key stakeholders receive instructions to retain emails, messages, and files connected to the matter, maintaining data integrity for review.

3. Collection

During the collection phase, legal teams gather data from the identified sources using secure, defensible methods.

Metadata (like timestamps and authorship) is preserved to maintain authenticity during the review process.

4. Processing

During the processing phase, large data volumes are filtered, de-duplicated, and converted into searchable formats. This step prepares the dataset for legal review and analysis.

5. Review and Production

Attorneys analyze and produce relevant files for opposing counsel based on the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), which helps ensure full compliance and defensibility at every stage.

Use Cases of eDiscovery

eDiscovery comes into play anytime large volumes of electronic evidence need to be reviewed or organized.

It’s not limited to court cases, though. Companies also rely on it for compliance, audits, and everyday risk management.

With strong information governance and advanced tools, legal teams can find potentially relevant information faster while keeping everything defensible and well-documented.

Here are a few common use cases that show how eDiscovery technology supports different needs:

• Litigation and regulatory matters: Attorneys use technology-assisted review and computer-assisted review to process relevant ESI efficiently and focus on what truly matters during document review.
• Internal investigations: Companies use eDiscovery tools to look into policy breaches, data misuse, or workplace disputes without disrupting ongoing operations.
• Compliance and data retention: Strong retention policies combined with archiving systems help teams stay organized and ready for audits or data requests.
• Mergers and acquisitions: During due diligence, eDiscovery helps review large data sets quickly to spot risks or confidential information that might affect the deal.
• Government or public inquiries: Agencies use these systems to collect and manage information requests while keeping communication transparent and traceable.

In short, eDiscovery helps organizations stay prepared, compliant, and in control of their data across any situation.

eDiscovery Best Practices for Litigation Workflows

Now that we’ve covered how eDiscovery works in different settings, let’s focus on how to apply it within the litigation process.

Effective workflows keep data secure, organized, and easy to present, which can help legal counsel respond to cases and regulatory requests in a timely manner.

The following best practices can strengthen any legal process and make discovery more defensible and efficient.

Establish a Clear Data Strategy

A strong discovery workflow starts with understanding where raw data lives and how it moves across your systems.

Create a clear map of data sources, such as email servers, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. This way, you know where to look when new matters arise. Early identification helps reduce wasted effort later in the process and keeps deadlines realistic.

Many teams now integrate eDiscovery solutions directly into their case management systems to simplify this tracking and reduce manual searching.

Protect Sensitive Information

Every discovery project includes some form of confidential or sensitive information, from client records to trade secrets. Use access controls, encryption, and secure transfer protocols to limit exposure during review or production.

Clear labeling and privilege logs also help maintain defensibility if information is challenged. Legal teams should regularly review their data handling procedures to stay aligned with current privacy and security standards.

Automate Early Stages of Review

Workflow automation helps legal counsel manage growing data volumes without sacrificing accuracy. Modern eDiscovery solutions use analytics and AI-driven features to categorize documents automatically, separating high-priority items from irrelevant ones.

This not only shortens review time but also makes it easier to meet deadlines for regulatory requests. Plus, technology-assisted review and keyword filters can quickly flag potential evidence while keeping the review team focused on what matters most.

Maintain Strong Communication Channels

The litigation workflow often involves multiple teams, including attorneys, IT, compliance, and external partners.

Consistent communication keeps everyone aligned and minimizes the risk of error. So, hold brief check-ins during each stage of the discovery timeline to verify progress and adjust scope when new information surfaces.

Additionally, a shared platform or collaboration dashboard makes sure that updates are documented and easy to reference throughout the legal process.

Document Everything for Defensibility

From the first data pull to the final production, documentation builds trust and credibility. Record what data was collected, how it was preserved, and who handled it.

Maintaining this audit trail protects against disputes and shows that every action followed a consistent, defensible procedure.

Reliable documentation also helps legal counsel demonstrate diligence if propounding discovery practices are ever questioned in court or during a regulatory request review.

Review and Improve Post-Case

After each case, take time to review what worked well and what could be improved. Evaluate the efficiency of your eDiscovery solutions, communication flow, and timeline management.

Gathering feedback from key stakeholders strengthens your overall discovery readiness for future matters. A post-case review helps teams continuously refine their process, reduce costs, and respond faster in upcoming litigation.

The End of Manual Discovery Has Finally Arrived

eDiscovery has turned into a core part of modern litigation that helps firms manage complex digital evidence, protect sensitive data, and respond to cases on time. When done right, it saves hours of effort and keeps every production defensible all throughout.

Briefpoint takes that next step by turning the most tedious parts of discovery into a streamlined workflow. Its AI-powered drafting tools prepare discovery requests and responses automatically with no formatting headaches or endless copy-pasting.

And with Autodoc now live, teams can generate Bates-cited Word responses and production-ready packages in minutes. Every file stays traceable, every record stays consistent.

Briefpoint gives law firms a faster, smarter, and fully defensible way to handle discovery from the first draft to final production.

Schedule a demo today!

What is eDiscovery?

Electronic discovery (eDiscovery or e-discovery) is the process of finding, collecting, and reviewing electronically stored information (ESI) that can serve as digital evidence in a legal case.

It helps legal teams gather and manage potentially relevant data like emails, documents, or messages that could impact the outcome of a dispute.

Unlike old-school paper discovery, where lawyers sorted through boxes of printed files, eDiscovery deals with massive amounts of digital information spread across different systems.

Hence, it’s now a standard part of the litigation workflow that gives teams a faster, more organized way to search, analyze, and share data.

In simple terms, electronic discovery lets legal professionals collect data efficiently and keep everything defensible, accurate, and easy to track from start to finish.

Types of Data Involved in eDiscovery

The electronically stored information involved in eDiscovery comes in many forms, and most of it lives in digital systems that people use every day.

Legal teams have to sort through a mix of files, messages, and records to find what might matter to a case. This data can include both structured records, like databases, and unstructured files, such as emails or chats.

Here are some of the most common types of data reviewed in eDiscovery:

• Emails and attachments from personal or corporate accounts
• Documents and spreadsheets stored on local drives or cloud systems
• Instant messaging chats from apps like Slack, Teams, or WhatsApp
• Social media posts such as text posts, comments, or private messages
• Cell phone data, including texts, call logs, and photos
• Video files from meetings, security footage, or recordings
• Digital audio from calls, interviews, or voice notes
• Databases and CRM records containing business or client information

Each data type presents its own challenges for collection and review, so modern eDiscovery tools are designed to handle multiple formats and keep everything organized in one searchable platform.

An Overview of the eDiscovery Process

The eDiscovery process follows a series of steps that help legal teams manage large volumes of electronic data efficiently. Each stage is designed to protect accuracy, maintain defensibility, and turn raw information into usable, relevant evidence for a case.

Let’s take a closer look at each phase:

1. Identification

This first step focuses on finding where digital data might exist. Legal teams identify potential sources such as email servers, cloud accounts, chat platforms, or mobile devices.

They may also work with forensic investigators and IT staff to locate files and communications that could hold relevant details. Basically, the goal is to map out every location where information connected to the case could be stored.

2. Preservation

Once potential evidence is identified, it must be protected from deletion or modification.

This step often involves issuing a legal hold, which is a formal notice telling employees and custodians to keep specific files, emails, or messages that might relate to the case. It prevents the destruction or alteration of important information during ongoing or potential litigation.

Legal teams then make secure copies of key files and follow digital forensic procedures to keep data intact and verifiable.

Maintaining a clear chain of custody ensures that every file can be traced back to its source, which helps prevent any disputes over authenticity later in the legal proceedings.

3. Collection

During this stage, teams collect data from the identified sources using secure tools. The data may include raw data from servers, devices, or cloud platforms.

Collection must be done carefully to preserve metadata like timestamps, sender details, and file paths. These details help confirm the origin and reliability of the evidence.

4. Processing

Processing involves filtering, organizing, and converting large volumes of data into usable formats. Duplicate or irrelevant files are removed, and file types are standardized for easier handling.

Many eDiscovery tools also detect corrupt or unreadable files automatically. The goal is to reduce data volume before the document review stage while keeping all potentially relevant evidence intact.

5. Review

At this point, attorneys or trained reviewers examine documents to decide what is relevant, privileged, or confidential. Legal AI tools and keyword searches speed up this document review phase.

Reviewers may tag, categorize, or annotate documents for later reference. This step often takes the most time but is key to building a strong case strategy.

6. Production

After review, the approved documents are shared with the opposing party or submitted to the court. Files are usually formatted with Bates numbering or other tracking identifiers to keep everything in order.

Productions often include metadata summaries and privilege logs to document how materials were selected and labeled. Of course, accuracy and completeness are key since the shared data becomes officially relevant evidence in the legal proceedings.

For faster, more accurate productions, tools like Autodoc can automate the process. It turns productions and case files into ready-to-serve discovery responses, complete with Bates numbering, page-level citations, and a production package ready to file.

Schedule a demo now.

7. Presentation

The final stage prepares the reviewed material for use in depositions, hearings, or trials. Lawyers use presentation tools to highlight key exhibits, timelines, or communications during arguments.

The process makes sure that digital data collected at the start is presented clearly and credibly at the end of the case.

Why eDiscovery Matters in Litigation

eDiscovery has become a core part of the litigation process because nearly all electronic documents can serve as relevant evidence.

The sheer volume of data makes the process demanding, and many law firms face pressure to handle data collection and review in a timely manner while keeping discovery costs reasonable.

Both state and federal courts require that electronic data be preserved, reviewed, and produced according to strict standards, which means every case must be handled with care.

Today’s eDiscovery software helps manage this complex process by filtering, tagging, and organizing massive data sets so teams focus only on what matters. Without these tools, even well-prepared legal teams risk data loss or incomplete productions that could affect a case’s credibility.

Key reasons why eDiscovery matters in litigation:

• Accuracy: Helps identify and produce only the most relevant documents, reducing confusion during the review process.
• Efficiency: Speeds up data collection and review, keeping deadlines on track.
• Cost control: Cuts discovery costs by limiting documents to those needed for the case.
• Compliance: Meets legal standards in both state and federal courts for defensible evidence handling.
• Client trust: Many clients simply refuse to pay for wasted effort, which often makes law firm efficiency a direct business advantage.

Types of eDiscovery Technology

Legal tech for litigation plays a major role in managing the eDiscovery process. With the growing volume of digital data, legal teams rely on software and automation to handle tasks that once took days of manual work.

Some of the best examples include:

Document Automation in eDiscovery

Document automation is transforming how legal teams manage eDiscovery requests. Legal professionals can now draft, label, and format discovery materials in minutes, replacing hours once spent sorting through paper documents and emails.

In other words, automation keeps cases organized, reduces manual effort, and helps teams respond on time.

Legal document automation software handles digital records automatically by applying templates, standard objections, and consistent language across every response.

Plus, they improve accuracy, maintain compliance with court expectations, and let attorneys focus on legal strategy instead of repetitive formatting.

Key benefits of document automation in eDiscovery:

• Deliver faster results: Complete discovery responses and productions in minutes
• Maintain consistency: Use uniform phrasing, citations, and formatting across matters
• Increase accuracy: Prevent human errors during document compilation and labeling
• Cut costs: Reduce administrative work and speed up collaboration across teams

Platforms like Briefpoint make this process even faster. Its AI-powered drafting tools help law firms create discovery responses (including objections, answers, and Bates-cited productions) up to 95% faster.

Book a demo to see how Briefpoint automates discovery from start to finish and helps your team move cases forward with confidence.

Data Identification and Collection Tools

The first step in the eDiscovery process involves identifying where electronic information may be stored and collecting it in a defensible way. Modern legal teams rely on advanced tools that can locate digital files across servers, email accounts, mobile devices, and cloud platforms.

These tools use smart filtering to focus on only those records that could hold value to the case, reducing time spent on irrelevant data.

Many systems now include computer-assisted generated content recognition, which helps detect files created by AI, automated scripts, or collaborative tools. This is especially important as organizations produce more mixed data sources, all of which may contain key evidence.

For example, a mid-sized law firm investigating a contract dispute might use RelativityOne or Everlaw to scan cloud-based storage and employee communications.

The system identifies relevant keywords, time frames, and user accounts, then collects those files while preserving metadata like timestamps and file authors.

These data identification and collection tools give attorneys a clear view of what information exists and where it resides. That clarity makes it easier to manage large-scale cases and avoid errors during the review and production stages.

Digital Forensic Software

Digital forensic software helps legal teams recover, preserve, and analyze evidence related to a case without changing or damaging the original data.

It’s a key part of the legal process, especially in civil litigation, where attorneys must prove that every piece of electronic information is authentic and collected properly.

This type of software digs deep into computers, mobile devices, and cloud systems to uncover files that might not be visible through normal searches.

It can retrieve deleted items, locate hidden folders, and examine metadata like timestamps, file history, and authorship. These details help confirm when and how a document was created, modified, or shared.

For example, if a company is accused of altering emails before a lawsuit, forensic tools can trace the original messages, verify their contents, and document any changes.

That level of precision gives legal teams confidence in the integrity of their evidence related to digital sources and ensures it can stand up to court scrutiny.

Processing and Filtering Platforms

Once data is collected, it must be organized into a usable format. Processing and filtering platforms handle this stage by sorting through massive amounts of electronic data to find relevant information and prepare it for review.

These lawyer tools do things like removing duplicates, fixing corrupted files, and converting everything into consistent formats that are easier to search and analyze.

They also apply search parameters to narrow down the results. This helps legal teams focus on what actually matters while keeping the process defensible and efficient.

Key functions of processing and filtering platforms include:

• Data reduction: Eliminates duplicate or unnecessary files to reduce review time.
• Metadata preservation: Keeps file metadata intact, such as timestamps and authorship details.
• Smart filtering: Applies keywords, date ranges, and user-based search parameters to isolate key evidence.
• Privilege detection: Flags potentially privileged documents so attorneys can review or exclude them before production.

These systems act as a bridge between raw data and the review stage. By automatically cleaning and organizing large datasets, they help legal teams move from data chaos to focused analysis with greater speed and confidence.

AI-Assisted Review and Analytics

Reviewing thousands of files manually can take weeks. Traditional review methods depend on attorneys reading and tagging every document by hand, which slows down the process and raises costs.

eDiscovery solutions now include AI-assisted review, also known as computer-assisted review (CAR), to make this phase faster and more accurate.

In an AI-assisted system, algorithms learn from reviewer input and automatically predict which files are most likely relevant.

The more the reviewer tags or categorizes documents, the smarter the system becomes. It then prioritizes similar files for human review and can even exclude those that clearly don’t meet the criteria.

Let’s look at how manual vs. AI-assisted review compares:

Without AI assistance:

• Reviewers read and tag each document individually
• Relevance decisions are repeated across large data sets
• Errors and inconsistencies are more likely
• Time and cost increase significantly

With an AI legal discovery process:

• The system learns from reviewer input and identifies patterns
• Large data sets are reduced quickly to a smaller, focused group
• Accuracy improves over time through iterative learning
• Legal teams spend less time reviewing documents and more time on case strategy

Thanks to AI-assisted analytics, firms can turn what was once a manual bottleneck into a structured, data-driven process that strengthens both speed and defensibility in discovery.

Production and Case Management Systems

After review, the final stage of eDiscovery focuses on preparing and delivering relevant ESI in a format that meets court and client requirements.

Production and case management systems handle this process by packaging, tracking, and sharing files as part of the official legal procedure. They help legal teams manage large collections of electronic evidence while keeping everything organized, secure, and traceable.

These systems generate production sets that may include native documents (files in their original format), converted PDFs, or text-based versions for easier reference.

They also manage computer-generated content, such as audit trails, chat exports, or automatically created logs, which often provide valuable context in modern litigation.

Case management features go beyond production. They track deadlines, manage privilege logs, and maintain clear documentation of what was shared, to whom, and when. This creates a defensible audit trail that supports accuracy and compliance throughout the discovery phase.

In short, these platforms bring structure to the final step of the eDiscovery workflow. It turns complex data collections into ordered, presentable, and verifiable evidence ready for submission in court.

Reimagine Discovery With Briefpoint’s Automation Tools

If your discovery process still involves endless emails, spreadsheets, and formatting fixes, you’re working harder than you need to.

Even the most efficient legal teams find discovery work draining when everything has to be drafted, reviewed, and formatted by hand. Luckily, smarter automation tools can now completely transform how you manage the process.

Briefpoint helps you skip the repetitive work and focus on strategy. It drafts discovery requests and responses automatically, complete with discovery objections, answers, and consistent language across matters. No more endless copy-pasting or reformatting just to stay compliant.

Then there’s Autodoc, Briefpoint’s newest feature that takes production to the next level. Upload your case files, and Autodoc builds Bates-cited Word responses and production packages in minutes. It even keeps everything traceable, so you always know where each file came from.

Together, Briefpoint and Autodoc turn what used to take days into a process measured in clicks. Faster, cleaner, and built for real legal work, so you can move cases forward without the late nights.

Book a demo to see how Briefpoint and Autodoc can simplify discovery from start to finish.

What Is eDiscovery Software?

eDiscovery software (short for electronic discovery software) helps legal professionals manage ESI during litigation, investigations, or regulatory reviews.

The eDiscovery process involves identifying, collecting, reviewing, and producing digital evidence that could be relevant to a case.

This type of legal discovery software makes it easier to sort through massive data volumes quickly and accurately while maintaining compliance and preserving data integrity. It’s especially important in modern legal practice, where most evidence exists in digital form.

Examples of electronically stored information include:

• Emails and attachments
• Chat messages and text logs
• Cloud-stored documents or files
• Social media posts or metadata
• Databases and transaction records

By automating tasks like data filtering and tagging, eDiscovery software helps teams save time and reduce human error. It also provides search tools, audit trails, and review capabilities that make the entire discovery process defensible and organized throughout.

What Are the Must-Have Features for eDiscovery Software?

The right eDiscovery software provider should offer tools that make the electronic discovery process faster, more accurate, and easier to manage.

Modern electronic discovery solutions combine legal process automation with advanced technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning to handle large volumes of data efficiently.

A fast and intuitive platform saves hours of manual work and reduces the risk of missing key evidence. Here are the must-have features to look for:

• Data collection and processing: Collect information from multiple sources and convert it into searchable formats.
• AI and machine learning: Identify relevant documents automatically and speed up document review.
• Advanced search tools: Use filters, metadata, and keyword logic to locate important files quickly.
• Redaction and privilege tagging: Protects confidential or attorney-client data before sharing.
• Audit trails: Track every action to maintain transparency and defensibility.
• Collaboration tools: Let teams review and comment on documents in real time.
• Reporting and analytics: Provides detailed insights into review progress and costs.

Choosing the right software vendor means finding a balance between ease of use, scalability, and automation. Let’s keep that in mind as we go to the next section.

Need an alternative to expensive eDiscovery solutions? Book a demo with Briefpoint.

5 Top eDiscovery Tools for Modern Legal Teams

Now that we’ve covered the key features to look for, let’s explore some of the best eDiscovery software options available today:

1. Logikcull

Logikcull is a trusted e-discovery software that helps legal professionals simplify the entire discovery workflow, from data processing to document review. It’s particularly useful for small and mid-sized law firms that need powerful tools without enterprise-level complexity.

Source: G2

The platform automates many steps of the electronic data management process. Its goal is to make it easy to organize, tag, and review files without relying on IT support or external vendors.

Once data is uploaded, Logikcull automatically scans, indexes, and categorizes it, which allows teams to analyze electronic data and locate relevant documents faster.

It also helps maintain regulatory compliance by tracking every action within the platform, keeping a full audit trail that meets legal standards.

Best Features

• Automatic deduplication: Removes duplicate files to reduce review volume and focus on unique evidence.
• Smart filters and search: Uses metadata, keywords, and file types to locate specific records quickly.
• Built-in redaction tools: Protects confidential information and marks privileged content before production.
• Audit-ready reports: Creates detailed logs for defensibility and compliance documentation.
• Cloud integrations: Supports uploads from services like Google Drive, Slack, and Dropbox.
• Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to review, comment, and tag documents simultaneously.

Pros

• Simple interface with minimal setup time
• Transparent, predictable pricing structure
• Fast document uploads and efficient search functions
• Secure data protection with encryption and strict access controls

2. Everlaw

Everlaw is a cloud-based eDiscovery platform designed for large law firms, government agencies, and legal departments managing complex cases.

It provides a complete platform for handling the full discovery cycle, ranging from early case assessment and data processing to final review and production.

Source: G2

Essentially, the software helps teams manage large volumes of digital data efficiently while keeping sensitive data secure through strict access controls and compliance standards.

Everlaw’s combination of automation, analytics, and collaboration tools allows teams to quickly identify the most relevant documents in massive data sets.

Additionally, its visual interface and reporting features make it easier for attorneys and investigators to understand case progress and evidence connections at a glance.

Best Features

• Early case assessment: Analyzes large volumes of digital data early in the litigation process to refine search strategies.
• AI-assisted document review: Uses predictive analytics to identify the most relevant documents faster.
• Efficient data management: Automatically organizes uploads for quicker navigation and review.
• Collaboration tools: Lets attorneys and legal departments comment and tag documents together in real time.
• Advanced redaction and security: Protects sensitive data with audit trails and permission-based access.
• Comprehensive reporting: Delivers visual insights into case timelines, reviewer activity, and production sets.

Pros

• Smooth user experience with minimal training
• Fast review and production process for complex cases
• Strong compliance for handling confidential and regulated information

3. Nextpoint

Nextpoint is a cloud-based eDiscovery platform built to manage the entire litigation workflow. Unlike some complex enterprise tools, it focuses on simplicity and speed to give legal teams a platform that’s both powerful and approachable.

Source: G2

Its intuitive interface allows attorneys, paralegals, and investigators to quickly upload, search, and organize evidence from multiple data sources. Nextpoint also helps firms maintain strict compliance requirements through built-in audit trails and secure storage options.

With features such as predictive coding, legal hold notifications, and robust reporting, it supports teams through every phase of discovery while reducing the time spent on manual review.

Plus, the platform’s advanced analytics highlight key insights, which can help users find relevant information and prioritize what matters most in each case.

Best Features

• Legal hold management: Preserves data automatically and confirms acknowledgments for compliance.
• Predictive coding: Uses AI to surface relevant information and streamline document review.
• End-to-end workflow: Handles processing, review, and production without external lawyer tools.
• Advanced analytics: Identifies patterns and key custodians to guide case strategy.
• Robust reporting: Tracks user activity, review progress, and data exports.
• Intuitive interface: Makes large-scale projects easier to manage and navigate.

Pros

• Clear, user-friendly layout suited for busy legal teams
• Good compliance features with defensible audit trails
• Fast performance when processing large volumes of data
• Comprehensive analytics that support better case preparation

4. DISCO

DISCO is recognized as a market leader in efficient eDiscovery for law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Built as a fully cloud-native platform, it helps legal teams handle everything from litigation to internal investigations with speed and accuracy.

Source: G2

Its focus on legal automation and information governance makes it a strong choice for organizations that deal with large volumes of electronic information and need dependable performance.

The platform combines AI-driven document review with an intuitive interface that allows users to locate sensitive information quickly while maintaining defensibility.

And with its scalable performance, DISCO supports both small matters and enterprise-level cases. This gives teams the flexibility to expand as data grows.

It also integrates easily with other tools, so legal professionals can connect their existing systems while staying compliant with discovery rules and regulations.

Best Features

• AI-assisted review: Accelerates document analysis by identifying patterns and reducing manual review time.
• Information governance: Keeps electronic information organized and secure throughout the discovery lifecycle.
• Compliance management: Helps teams ensure compliance through audit trails and secure access controls.
• Scalable performance: Handles growing data volumes and multiple matters without slowdowns.
• Integrations with other tools: Connects with case management and productivity systems for seamless workflows.
• Sensitive information protection: Offers advanced redaction and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Pros

• Fast and reliable cloud performance
• Easy-to-use interface for both attorneys and support staff
• Reliable security and compliance capabilities
• Good scalability for high-volume discovery projects

5. Relativity

Relativity is one of the most established names in eDiscovery software, trusted by large law firms and corporations for handling complex cases and investigations.

The platform combines traditional discovery workflows with modern tools like generative AI to classify data, summarize content, and predict relevance.

Source: G2

Relativity integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, so users can collect and review data directly from familiar environments.

Moreover, its robust security framework includes multi-factor authentication, access controls, and encryption to keep sensitive files safe throughout the discovery process.

While Relativity is powerful, it’s known for having a moderate learning curve, especially for teams new to advanced analytics or custom workflows. However, once mastered, it becomes one of the most flexible and scalable discovery solutions available.

Best Features

• Generative AI capabilities: Automates classification, summarization, and relevance scoring.
• Comprehensive case preparation tools: Streamlines review, tagging, and production in one platform.
• Google Workspace integration: Simplifies data collection from Gmail, Drive, and Docs.
• Custom workflows: Adapts to specific review processes and compliance policies.
• Multi-factor authentication: Protects user access and sensitive data.

Pros

• Strong AI and automation for large, complex cases
• Highly customizable workflows for diverse team needs
• Secure and compliant environment with full audit trails
• Broad integration support and scalable infrastructure

Get an Alternative to Expensive eDiscovery Solutions—Briefpoint

Choosing the best eDiscovery software depends on your organization’s data volume, budget, and workflow needs.

Platforms like Logikcull, Everlaw, Nexpoint, DISCO, and Relativity all deliver strong features for document review, data processing, compliance, and everything in between.

Yet for many legal teams, the challenge isn’t just finding the right tool. It’s keeping costs predictable and workflows simple.

Briefpoint and its new product, AutoDoc, provide a smarter way forward. These solutions help legal professionals handle discovery tasks faster with automation that reduces manual work and administrative costs.

Briefpoint automates discovery responses to save hours typically spent on formatting and reviewing, while AutoDoc accelerates document creation and management across matters.

Together, they serve as an alternative to expensive eDiscovery solutions, offering speed, consistency, and accuracy without enterprise-level pricing.

Are you ready to modernize your discovery process once and for all? Book a demo and experience how Briefpoint and AutoDoc turn hours of discovery work into minutes, without the heavy software costs.

What Is a Request for Production?

A request for production is part of the discovery process in a lawsuit. It’s a formal written request that one party sends to another, asking for documents, records, or files that contain necessary information about the case.

These could include:

• Contracts
• Emails
• Reports
• Financial statements
• Any materials that help clarify the facts in dispute

The goal of an RFP is to make sure both sides have access to the same information before going to court. This makes sense because it allows each party to prepare its arguments based on complete and accurate evidence.

When a law firm receives an RFP, it reviews each request carefully, gathers the relevant materials, and decides which documents can be shared. Privileged or confidential data must be reviewed and redacted before being produced.

Managing this process manually takes time and increases the chance of missing important files. To handle it more efficiently, many firms use RFP automation tools that organize, tag, and produce documents automatically.

This saves hours of work and gives both the firm and the client confidence that every request has been handled correctly and consistently throughout the discovery process.

What Makes a Strong RFP Response

A strong RFP response depends on the case, the client, and the type of legal documents requested. But usually, here’s what makes an RFP response clear, defensible, and useful to both sides.

• Complete and accurate: It includes all the information requested, organized by request number and supported with clear references or exhibits.
• Concise and focused: The response avoids unnecessary detail and keeps the language direct. Each answer should make sense without long explanations.
• Well-structured: Every response lists the request first, followed by the reply. This helps readers follow the document easily.
• Relevant and precise: The response focuses only on materials related to the request and avoids mixing unrelated topics.
• Transparent: When documents are withheld or redacted, the reason is clearly stated. This helps demonstrate fairness in the discovery process.
• Professional tone: Even when objecting, the wording stays neutral and polite.

Sometimes, it’s also helpful to include additional information that clarifies how the data was collected or reviewed.

Overall, a good RFP response should demonstrate that the producing party handled the process carefully and in good faith. This shows both preparation and respect for the opposing side’s right to review evidence.

RFP Response Examples

These examples show how law firms usually structure their replies to different types of requests for production. They’re based on common discovery situations and demonstrate how to stay professional, clear, and compliant with court rules.

Each example reflects a different scenario:

Full Compliance Response

Request No. 1:

Produce all contracts signed between Plaintiff and Defendant from January 2021 through December 2023.

Response:

Defendant will produce all responsive documents. The legal team reviewed every contract within the requested time frame, confirmed that each document is accurate and complete, and attached the full set as Exhibit A.

No documents are being withheld. All materials were collected directly from the client’s files and verified before submission.

This example shows a thorough, direct reply written in active voice. It explains what actions the team took (reviewing, confirming, and attaching) and makes it clear that production is complete.

The language is confident, transparent, and easy to read, which helps maintain credibility during discovery.

Partial Compliance Response

Request No. 2:

Produce all internal emails between company executives regarding the product recall from 2020 to 2023.

Response:

Defendant objects to this request as overly broad and not limited in scope or time. After review, the legal team identified relevant communications concerning the Model X recall between March and August 2023.

Defendant will produce those emails as Exhibit B. All unrelated or privileged communications have been withheld.

This one shows how to comply in part while keeping the response reasonable. It demonstrates that the team reviewed the request, narrowed the focus, and provided only what was relevant.

Plus, the wording stays factual and professional, which acknowledges the discovery objection but still shows cooperation and good faith in the production process.

Objection Due to Scope or Relevance

Request No. 3:

Produce all employee performance evaluations from 2018 to 2024.

Response:

Defendant objects to this request on the grounds that it seeks irrelevant and confidential information not related to the issues in dispute. The request also lacks reasonable limits in time and subject matter. No documents will be produced in response.

This response shows a clear and professional objection. It explains the reason for refusing production (irrelevance and confidentiality) without unnecessary language. The response stays direct and avoids emotional or defensive wording.

A well-written objection like this helps protect client data while keeping the tone neutral and respectful, which can make future negotiations or revisions to the request smoother.

Clarification or Request for Narrower Terms

Request No. 4:

Produce all documents related to communications with third-party vendors.

Response:

Defendant objects to this request as vague and overly broad. It is unclear which vendors or time period the request covers.

Defendant requests clarification or a narrower scope limited to specific vendors and relevant projects. Once clarified, Defendant will review and produce responsive documents.

This type of response shows professionalism while maintaining control of the discovery process. It acknowledges the request, identifies the pain points, and invites clarification instead of rejecting the RFP issuer outright.

That approach demonstrates cooperation and helps avoid unnecessary disputes about scope or interpretation later in the case.

Extension or Need for Additional Time

Request No. 5:

Produce all reports and internal communications concerning the termination of the joint venture.

Response:

Defendant has begun collecting and reviewing the requested materials but requires additional time to complete the process. The legal team expects to finish review and production within 14 days.

Defendant will notify Plaintiff immediately once the responsive documents are ready for delivery.

This example reflects a practical and honest update. It shows that the responding party is taking action, managing the workload responsibly, and keeping communication open.

Formatting and Best Practices

A well-organized response makes the legal drafting process smoother and helps both sides review materials without confusion. Consistency across documents is key, especially when handling multiple RFPs in one case.

A clear format also reduces errors and gives the court more insight into how the documents were collected and reviewed.

Here are a few best practices for creating an effective RFP response:

• Use a clear structure: List each request, followed by its response. Keep numbering consistent throughout the entire process.
• Keep tone and language professional: Avoid unnecessary explanations or defensive language.
• Reference exhibits properly: Link each response to exhibits or attachments when relevant.
• Include an RFP cover letter: Summarize what’s being produced, note any objections, and provide contact details for follow-up.
• Work from a standard template: Templates save time, help maintain accuracy, and make future RFPs easier to manage.

Automation tools like AutoDoc make this far simpler. AutoDoc auto-drafts every RFP, cites exact Bates pages, and packages the finished response with its production, ready for review in seconds. In other words, it replaces weeks of manual review with one upload.

If you’d like to end repetitive discovery work, join the AutoDoc waitlist for early access and see how it can handle your next round of RFPs in just 3–10 seconds per request.

Automating RFP Responses

RFP response software helps legal teams create accurate responses to requests for production without spending hours on manual review.

It takes over the repetitive parts of the job, like collecting files, applying Bates numbers, formatting discovery responses, and organizing attachments. With those tasks out of the way, your team can focus on higher-level work.

If you’ve ever managed discovery manually, you know how time-consuming it can be to search through folders, rename files, and double-check references.

Automation replaces those steps with a structured system that identifies responsive documents, fills in response templates, and keeps everything consistent across cases.

Here’s what automated RFP tools often handle:

• Auto-draft responses: Build complete answers from uploaded files or data sources.
• Apply Bates numbers automatically: Assign clear page identifiers in seconds.
• Locate responsive materials: Detect and attach relevant files to each request.
• Support collaboration: Allow attorneys, paralegals, and other team members to review and edit in one shared workspace.

Automation lets your team spend less time on administrative work and more time supporting clients and refining case strategies.

It also keeps a reliable record of each action taken, so that every RFP response stays organized, consistent, and defensible throughout the discovery process.

End Repetitive RFP Work With Briefpoint Autodoc

Each RFP is different, but the goal stays the same: produce complete, accurate, and defensible responses without wasting days on formatting and document review. That’s where Briefpoint helps you work smarter.

With Briefpoint, you can propound and respond to RFPs, RFAs, and interrogatories across every U.S. state and federal district in just a few clicks.

Upload a discovery request, review AI-assisted objections, and export a formatted response ready to serve. It’s designed for real legal workflows that should be fast, defensible, and fully editable.

For teams managing heavy discovery workloads, Briefpoint eliminates the slow parts of the process. You’ll draft high-quality responses that match your firm’s preferred language, maintain compliance with local court rules, and keep every matter organized from start to finish.

Ready to see how it all works? Book a demo with Briefpoint today.

1. Define a Clear eDiscovery Strategy and Protocol

A clear eDiscovery strategy gives legal teams a structured approach throughout the entire process. It promotes consistency, reduces confusion, and keeps deadlines on track.

The plan should align with the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), which outlines the following stages: identification, preservation, collection, processing, review, and production.

When creating your strategy, remember to:

• Set clear goals for scope, timelines, and team roles.
• Document every step to maintain transparency and defensibility.
• Use standard templates for data requests and productions.
• Define escalation points for handling disputes or technical issues.
• Update the plan regularly as laws, lawyer tools, and data sources change.

A written eDiscovery protocol forms the backbone of every matter. It should describe how data will be preserved, how privilege will be protected, and what file formats will be used for production.

This structure keeps everyone aligned from the start and helps prevent missing data or inconsistent handling later.

2. Involve Legal, IT, and Compliance Teams Early

Legal, IT, and compliance teams each play a unique role in managing electronically stored information (ESI), and early coordination prevents confusion later. When these teams work together from the start, identifying relevant data becomes faster and more accurate.

For example, when litigation is anticipated, the legal team defines the scope of discovery and which custodians may hold relevant ESI.

The IT department then identifies where that data lives (perhaps across cloud storage platforms, email servers, or internal systems) while compliance reviews the process to confirm it aligns with privacy and retention policies.

If these groups don’t align early, data could be lost, duplicated, or mishandled, putting the organization at risk of sanctions or missed deadlines.

Many organizations now rely on eDiscovery tools that let cross-functional teams collaborate in real time, centralizing case data and tracking progress from preservation to production.

A shared platform improves communication, reduces manual work, and keeps every department accountable.

For teams seeking a simpler, faster, and more reliable approach to document preparation during discovery, Briefpoint offers automation that turns complex requests into accurate, court-ready documents in minutes. 

Book a demo today.

3. Identify and Preserve Data Sources Promptly

Quick identification and preservation of electronic data are key steps in the discovery process.

Once litigation is expected, legal teams must act fast to locate and secure relevant data before it’s altered or deleted. Delays can lead to spoliation or incomplete productions, both of which can harm a case.

The first step is mapping data sources, which means creating a clear record of where information is stored and who controls it. Common data sources include:

• Company email systems and archives
• Shared drives and document management tools
• Cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox
• Messaging apps such as Slack or Microsoft Teams
• Employee laptops, phones, or external devices
• Social media posts

Once these sources are identified, data collection should begin under defensible procedures that maintain metadata and prevent modification. Preservation notices must also be issued to custodians responsible for the data, suspending any auto-deletion or retention policies.

Plus, documenting each step of data preservation builds credibility and protects against challenges later in court. A consistent, repeatable approach keeps the process transparent and helps the team handle future matters more efficiently.

4. Use Legal Hold Procedures Effectively

A well-managed legal hold process is one of the most important parts of data preservation during discovery.

When a dispute or investigation is anticipated, legal professionals must suspend routine data deletion policies and preserve all potentially relevant ESI. This step prevents the loss of key evidence and demonstrates good faith compliance with the court.

A legal hold begins with a clear notice sent to custodians. Employees or departments likely to have relevant documents or electronic records. The notice explains what data must be preserved, how it should be handled, and who to contact with questions.

For instance, if a company expects litigation involving employment issues, HR staff and managers may receive a hold instructing them not to delete emails, reports, or internal chat messages tied to the event in question.

Tracking acknowledgments and sending reminders are equally important. Every action, from issuing the notice to releasing the hold, should be logged for transparency.

Many legal teams now use automated legal hold software to monitor compliance and record each step. This level of documentation protects the organization and confirms that data was preserved properly if the process is ever questioned in court.

5. Collect Data in a Defensible and Documented Way

Once a legal hold is in place and data preservation is confirmed, the next phase of the discovery process involves collecting that data for review. This transition is critical because any misstep during collection can damage file integrity or cast doubt on the evidence.

Moreover, data collection is one of the most sensitive parts of legal discovery, and every action must be defensible if challenged in court.

Legal teams should apply consistent procedures that maintain authenticity and retain relevant information exactly as it existed. This includes preserving metadata, timestamps, and detailed records of each activity.

Defensible collection often involves coordination between legal and IT teams. Data must be copied from secure data storage systems using approved forensic tools that prevent alteration.

For example, when collecting data from mobile devices, specialists may extract text messages or attachments in a controlled environment to preserve their original state.

A simple collection record may include:

• The person responsible for the collection and the date completed
• The tools or software used
• The source systems, such as email servers or cloud databases

Documenting every action supports strong information governance and demonstrates accountability. In large legal proceedings, complete records protect the organization from disputes about data handling and show that the collection followed a defensible process.

6. Leverage Advanced Search and Filtering Tools

Advanced search and filtering tools are core features of any modern eDiscovery platform. They allow legal teams to narrow large sets of data into smaller, more focused collections that matter to the case.

As data volumes continue to grow across emails, chat logs, and cloud solutions, these tools make it possible to manage the document review stage with precision and speed.

In the modern litigation process, the biggest eDiscovery challenges often involve identifying what’s relevant among thousands or even millions of files.

Keyword searches, date filters, and metadata queries help locate information quickly, while advanced analytics can detect duplicate files or similar content that might otherwise be reviewed multiple times.

Some systems also let users analyze log files or communication patterns to uncover hidden connections between custodians or data sources.

A strong review process combines these tools with attorney oversight to confirm accuracy and context. Automation alone can’t replace legal judgment, but it can remove the manual burden of sorting irrelevant material.

7. Apply Technology-Assisted Review or AI for Efficiency

Technology-assisted review (TAR) and AI-powered review systems have become standard in modern eDiscovery because they help manage the overwhelming amount of digital data generated in litigation.

Essentially, these technologies speed up the review of emails, documents, and messages while maintaining accuracy and consistency in how relevance and privilege are determined.

• Technology-assisted review: Uses machine learning and predictive coding to identify patterns in previously reviewed data, which allows the system to rank remaining documents by likelihood of relevance.
• Artificial intelligence: Expands on TAR by applying natural language processing and contextual analysis to understand meaning, not just keywords, across large datasets.

In practical terms, TAR and legal AI tools learn from attorney input and apply those lessons to new files, which helps teams prioritize what to review first. This reduces manual workload and accelerates the production of electronically stored information.

When used responsibly, TAR can cut review time by more than half and improve consistency in identifying data produced for disclosure. Combined with human oversight, these tools help legal teams meet discovery deadlines efficiently while keeping the process defensible.

8. Maintain Strong Chain-of-Custody Documentation

A clear chain of custody makes sure that every piece of evidence collected during eDiscovery can be trusted.

More specifically, it records how data moves from collection to review and production, showing that nothing was changed, lost, or mishandled. Strong documentation also supports regulatory compliance, especially in industries where audit trails are required.

To keep all teams on the same page, every handoff should be recorded in a chain-of-custody log. This log tracks:

• The names of key custodians involved in handling or accessing data
• The date and time of each transfer
• The storage location and transfer method used
• Verification notes confirming file integrity

For example, if an outside vendor receives a set of emails for review, the record should show when the transfer occurred, who approved it, and how the files were verified before upload. Each action must be timestamped and supported by documentation.

Maintaining this level of tracking not only protects against disputes but also helps in ensuring compliance with legal discovery standards. Courts expect transparency in how evidence is handled, and a reliable chain of custody provides exactly that.

9. Review and Redact Sensitive Information Carefully

During the review phase of eDiscovery, handling confidential data requires both precision and awareness of privacy laws and eDiscovery rules.

Legal teams must identify and redact sensitive content before further processing or production to avoid exposing personal or privileged material. Failure to do so can lead to sanctions, data breaches, or violations of legal requirements.

Examples of information that should be redacted include:

• Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers or birth dates
• Financial details like bank account or credit card numbers
• Private communications covered by the attorney–client privilege
• Medical records or health-related data protected under HIPAA

One of the most common eDiscovery challenges is maintaining a balance between transparency and confidentiality. Automated redaction tools can speed up the process, but human review is still necessary to verify accuracy and context.

For instance, a legal AI system might flag names or numbers, but only an attorney can decide if they are relevant or privileged within the legal case.

Careful redaction protects both clients and opposing parties, keeping productions compliant and defensible. Every redaction decision should be logged and stored with a record of who approved it, so there is a clear audit trail for future reference.

10. Track Costs and Vendor Performance Throughout the Process

Monitoring expenses and vendor results is an often-overlooked part of the eDiscovery process, yet it has a direct impact on both budgets and case efficiency.

Each stage of discovery incurs measurable costs tied to storage, software licenses, and professional services. So, keeping a detailed record of these figures helps legal teams forecast spending, justify budgets, and identify where savings are possible in future matters.

For example, a law firm working with multiple vendors might notice that one provider charges significantly higher rates for hosting data but delivers slower turnaround times.

Tracking this performance over several projects makes it easier to decide who offers the best value. Metrics like average processing time, accuracy rates, and responsiveness can help build a clear picture of which partnerships are most effective.

Many firms now use dashboards or litigation management software to centralize cost data, automate invoices, and monitor key metrics in real time.

In other words, treating cost and performance tracking as part of the standard workflow keeps the overall eDiscovery process both predictable and efficient.

11. Regularly Update and Refine eDiscovery Policies and Technology

Finally, every organization should treat its eDiscovery policies as living documents that evolve with new data sources, laws, and legal tech software.

Some areas that should always be reviewed include:

• Backup tapes: Make sure retention schedules reflect current storage limits and recovery options.
• Preservation measures: Reassess how data is secured to avoid accidental loss or overwriting.
• Collecting ESI: Verify that approved tools and methods maintain file integrity and defensibility.
• Producing electronically stored information: Confirm that file formats and transfer protocols meet court and client expectations.

Keeping eDiscovery tools and practices updated not only supports compliance but also reduces manual work. Teams that modernize their approach are better equipped to manage complex matters efficiently.

Autodoc, the newest solution from Briefpoint, takes this a step further. It ends manual discovery work by turning productions and case files into ready-to-serve discovery responses (with Bates numbering and page-level citations) in just seconds.

Book a demo and be among the first to automate their discovery responses.

Briefpoint and the Future of eDiscovery

Strong eDiscovery practices are built through structure, collaboration, and the right technology to keep everything moving smoothly. Each stage of discovery, from locating data to preparing final productions, depends on accuracy and clear communication.

And when teams work within a defined system, discovery becomes less chaotic and more predictable.

Briefpoint helps make that happen. It replaces repetitive manual work with automation that drafts, numbers, and formats discovery responses in just minutes. The result is more time for strategy, stronger client outcomes, and less effort spent on administrative tasks.

If you’re ready to simplify discovery and see what faster, smarter document preparation looks like, book a Briefpoint demo today.

What Are Requests for Production?

In most lawsuits, a big part of discovery comes down to requests for production. These are formal legal requests asking one party to provide documents, records, or other evidence that relate to the case.

Essentially, they help both sides understand the facts before going to trial. You might see RFPs asking for things like:

• Contracts or business agreements
• Internal emails or written communications
• Financial statements and transaction records
• Reports, memos, or other supporting documents

If you’re managing a case, you’ll need to review every request carefully, gather the right files, and make sure nothing confidential slips through. Each page has to be labeled and sometimes redacted before it’s shared with opposing counsel.

This process is one of the most time-consuming parts of discovery. It requires close attention to detail and a clear litigation workflow to stay organized. When handled properly, RFPs help both sides exchange evidence fairly and keep the case moving toward resolution.

What Is RFP Automation?

RFP automation uses technology to manage the RFP response process from start to finish with less manual effort. It replaces repetitive administrative work with smart automation software that supports accuracy, speed, and collaboration across legal teams.

RFP automation often includes:

• Automated document drafting: Templates generate responses that follow required formats and case standards.
• Workflow automation: Tasks like review, approval, and version tracking move through the process without delays.
• Artificial intelligence review: AI checks for missing details, detects inconsistencies, and helps improve response quality.
• Centralized collaboration: Teams can review and update documents together, keeping every edit in one place.

This approach reduces human error, organizes large document sets, and keeps discovery work consistent across cases. Additionally, legal teams gain a structured process that keeps everything on track.

Briefpoint brings this approach to life with tools designed specifically for law firms managing discovery and document production.

Book a demo with Briefpoint to experience how automated RFP workflows can save time and support better accuracy in your legal practice.

What Are the Benefits of Using RFP Automation Tools?

After understanding what RFP automation is and how it works, the next question is simple: What difference does it actually make?

Below are some of the main benefits that legal teams see when using RFP automation tools:

Consistent Formatting and Compliance

One of the most overlooked risks in the RFP process is inconsistent formatting. When teams pull content from old files or past submissions, it’s easy to end up with errors like mismatched fonts, broken citations, or incomplete responses.

Luckily, a strong RFP automation platform can solve this by applying formatting rules automatically across each RFP document.

With built-in templates and a central content library, legal teams don’t have to start from scratch or guess what structure to follow. The platform makes sure that every clause, exhibit, and reference is placed in the right order, using the right layout.

It also helps with compliance. By guiding teams through required steps and flagging missing elements during document creation, automation reduces the chance of skipping key details or violating rules for discovery documents.

Smarter Workload Management

Managing RFPs often turns into a long list of repetitive tasks, such as copying old responses, fixing formatting issues, updating document versions, and chasing feedback. These steps might seem small, but they add up quickly and take time away from legal review and strategy.

With RFP automation software, much of that work gets handled in the background. For starters, it means:

• Standard language drops in automatically
• Documents stay organized
• Version tracking happens without extra effort

The process becomes more structured, and progress is easier to follow. Instead of reacting to every task as it comes in, you get a legal workflow that keeps things clear, repeatable, and less stressful.

Improved Team Collaboration

The RFP process often involves input from multiple people, like attorneys, paralegals, and subject matter experts. Without the right tools, this can lead to version confusion, duplicate work, or missed updates. Everyone ends up working in their own silo, which slows things down.

Modern collaboration tools built into RFP automation platforms fix this by letting users work together in real time. Edits, comments, and updates all happen in one shared space, so nothing gets lost.

For example, a senior attorney can review a draft while a paralegal updates dates and attachments. They don’t have to email back and forth, nor do they have to struggle with a version mismatch.

This kind of setup also supports knowledge management, which makes it easier to reuse strong content across cases without starting from scratch.

Working together across the entire RFP process becomes smoother, with fewer gaps and better communication at every step.

Better Accuracy Through AI

Manual review has limits, especially when teams are under pressure or handling large volumes of documents. That’s where artificial intelligence helps improve consistency.

Many RFP automation tools now use natural language processing (NLP) to read and understand written text. This allows the software to suggest relevant answers, spot missing information, and flag inconsistent language before anything is submitted.

The result is high-quality responses that require fewer rounds of edits and reduce the chance of errors slipping through. For firms handling similar requests across matters, AI can even suggest language based on past responses.

That said, AI is not a replacement for legal review. It supports the process but still requires a human to check the final content. Used carefully, though, it can raise the overall quality of every response.

Faster Client Turnaround

The last (but perhaps the most important) benefit of RFP automation is how much faster you can deliver work to clients. When deadlines are tight and expectations are high, speed matters.

Automating repetitive tasks like formatting and organizing attachments removes the bottlenecks that usually slow things down. With AI automation reviewing content in real time, there’s no need for multiple revision cycles or last-minute fixes.

The difference shows up in your delivery. Clients receive accurate, polished responses without delays or excuses. Such a level of consistency builds trust and gives your team more breathing room to handle urgent matters without falling behind.

Best RFP Software on the Market Today

Not all RFP tools are built for legal work, and choosing the right one can make a big difference. Let’s take a look at a few standout options you can consider for your tech stack:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is purpose-built for automating discovery responses and drafting across the full range of civil litigation. 

It focuses on requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission, supporting both propounding and responding across all U.S. state and federal courts.

What sets it apart is its ability to generate high-quality, jurisdiction-ready documents in just a few minutes, using the details of a complaint or discovery request as the starting point.

Instead of spending hours drafting, formatting, and reviewing responses, legal teams use Briefpoint to cut down manual tasks, speed up turnaround, and maintain consistent quality across every case.

Whether you’re handling one RFP or an entire set of discovery requests, Briefpoint handles the heavy lifting with built-in formatting, objection-aware phrasing, and ready-to-edit templates that follow court rules.

Best Features

• Automated document drafting: Upload a complaint and generate up to 70 tailored RFPs, RFAs, and Interrogatories in under 3 minutes.
• Jurisdiction-ready output: Built-in support for state and federal formatting, captions, numbering, definitions, and timeframes.
• Objection-aware language: Avoids ambiguity, compound structure, and vague phrasing by default.
• Full-cycle coverage: Supports both propounding and responding, so you can manage the entire process in one place.
• Standardized templates: Apply your firm’s preferred language and regenerate content with consistent formatting across matters.
• AI-assisted objections: Draft stronger responses using suggested language and firm-approved objections.
• Integration with Word: Export finished documents directly to Word for final review, signature, and service.
• Secure by design: SOC 2 certified, HIPAA-compliant, and never uses your data for model training.

Want to see how you can automate your RFP documents and discovery responses with consistency and control? Book a demo today!

2. Clio Draft

Clio Draft (formerly known as Lawyaw) is part of the Clio ecosystem and focuses on automating document creation for law firms.

It’s suitable for firms already using Clio’s project management or contract management tools, helping keep documents connected to case data and client records.

Source: Clio.com

With customizable templates and built-in logic, Clio Draft supports automated workflows that generate legal documents based on answers to simple form fields. This reduces the need for repetitive editing and keeps files up to date with the latest case information.

It also helps standardize common documents across a firm, which means less guesswork and fewer errors in formatting. While it’s not designed specifically for RFPs, Clio Draft can be useful for building initial responses or handling related correspondence as part of a larger discovery process.

Best Features

• Custom template builder: Create reusable forms with conditional fields to speed up drafting.
• Case data integration: Pulls information directly from Clio case files to auto-fill documents.
• Cloud-based editing: Draft and update documents from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Clio platform sync: Works with Clio Manage and Clio Grow to connect documents with your full client lifecycle.
• Team collaboration: Share templates and drafts with colleagues for real-time input.
• Status tracking: Monitor document progress and make sure each one stays aligned with project timelines.

3. Noloco

Noloco is a no-code platform that helps legal teams build internal tools for document tracking, task coordination, and client-facing workflows. It’s not built specifically for RFPs, but it can be configured to support the document management and review process behind them.

Source: G2

What makes Noloco stand out is its ability to pull data from existing systems (like spreadsheets, forms, or CRMs) and organize it into a centralized platform. This makes it easier to manage document requests, deadlines, and status updates across multiple matters or departments.

Teams can also build custom apps to handle workflows related to RFP tracking or intake. And with its growing library of AI-powered features, users can add smarter filtering and automation tools to improve consistency over time.

Best Features

• Custom app builder: Design internal tools without code for document tracking, workflows, or intake.
• Data syncing: Pulls live data from sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, or PostgreSQL.
• Centralized dashboard: View tasks, timelines, and document updates in one place.
• Access controls: Set permissions by user or role to protect sensitive case data.
• AI tools: Add logic for document tagging, workflow triggers, or status updates.
• Scalable setup: Adjust layouts and fields easily as team needs grow or future projects shift.

4. Mitratech Legal Document Automation

Mitratech Legal Document Automation is built for legal departments and firms handling high-volume document work. It’s part of Mitratech’s larger suite of legal operations software, which offers scalable support for drafting, collaboration, and approvals.

While it’s often used for contracts and compliance-related tasks, it can also support structured automated processes involved in preparing and managing RFP responses.

Source: Mitratech.com

Mitratech allows team members to collaborate on documents through shared templates and controlled workflows. It pulls relevant content from pre-approved language libraries and adapts it to the context of each matter, which can help teams avoid drafting errors and stay consistent.

Designed with enterprise needs in mind, the platform also includes advanced security features like permission controls, audit trails, and encryption.

Best Features

• Clause library: Store and reuse pre-approved language across different document types.
• Workflow management: Assign tasks and approvals to specific team members with status tracking.
• Template control: Keep templates locked and editable only by authorized users.
• Version tracking: Monitor document changes and restore prior versions as needed.
• Advanced security: Protect sensitive data with built-in encryption and audit logs.
• Enterprise integration: Connects with other Mitratech products and third-party systems for seamless operation.

5. Rally

Rally is a legal workflow platform designed to support document creation, task management, and collaboration within law firms and legal departments.

Although not built exclusively for RFPs as well, its flexible automation features make it a useful option for firms that want to manage document-heavy processes with more structure.

Source: RallyLegal.com

Rally works well for large enterprises looking to unify legal operations across multiple teams. It integrates with existing tools like email, document storage systems, and CRM systems, which helps centralize case and client information.

For firms that handle recurring requests or complex workflows, Rally provides visual builders to map out processes from start to finish.

One of its key strengths is detailed analytics. Users can track time spent on documents, identify bottlenecks, and monitor overall workflow performance. These insights are useful for teams managing RFP timelines across multiple matters.

Best Features

• Workflow builder: Create custom workflows for approvals, drafting, and client communication.
• CRM integration: Connect client data directly to legal projects and document templates.
• Collaboration tools: Assign tasks, leave comments, and track updates in real time.
• Document automation: Populate templates using form-based inputs and conditional logic.
• Analytics dashboard: Monitor time, output, and team performance across matters.
• Cloud-based access: Work securely from any location, with support for remote teams.

The Right Tool for RFP Documents Starts with Briefpoint

Legal work moves fast, and RFP responses leave little room for mistakes. You’ve seen how legal automation can help organize workflows, reduce errors, and speed up delivery, but not every tool is made for discovery.

Many platforms try to cover everything, but fall short when it comes to the details attorneys care about: formatting, objections, and jurisdiction-specific rules.

Briefpoint was built with those details in mind. It’s not a general-purpose automation tool. It’s focused on drafting and responding to discovery documents, including RFPs, with speed and structure that match legal standards across all U.S. states and federal courts.

From objection-aware phrasing to jurisdiction-ready formatting, every part of the process reflects how legal professionals actually work.

If you’re spending too much time reviewing templates, rewording vague requests, or fixing formatting errors, there’s a better way.

Book a demo with Briefpoint and see how much easier discovery becomes when the tool is designed for it.

What is a Bates Numbering Tool?

A Bates numbering tool is software used to add unique identifiers, called Bates numbers, to pages in PDF documents. This process, sometimes known as Bates stamping, helps legal teams keep thousands of pages organized and easy to reference.

So, instead of flipping through stacks of paper, legal professionals can quickly locate the exact page they need during discovery, trial, or client work.

With a Bates numbering tool, you can apply custom numbers, prefixes, suffixes, or dates to each page, which makes it simple to track documents across a case. The numbers are placed digitally, so you can edit, batch-process, and format them as needed.

Key features include:

• Adding sequential Bates numbers to large sets of legal documents
• Using custom numbers like client codes or case IDs
• Choosing the placement of numbers on the page (top, bottom, left, right)
• Batch numbering across multiple PDF documents at once

In short, a Bates numbering tool saves time, reduces errors, and gives law firms a reliable system to reference every page in their files.

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages you can expect.

What Are the Benefits of Bates Numbering Software?

Managing thousands of PDF pages can get overwhelming, especially when working on discovery or preparing evidence. 

Bates numbering software helps by giving you an easy, intuitive way to add Bates numbers across a single document or even multiple PDF files at the same time.

So, rather than manually stamping every page, you can apply consistent numbering in just a few clicks.

Here are some key benefits:

• Save time: Number large sets of documents in minutes instead of hours.
• Stay accurate: No skipped pages or duplicate numbers thanks to automatic sequencing.
• Customize the format: Adjust the numbering format, add prefixes or suffixes, and adapt to your specific needs.
• Batch processing: Apply numbering to multiple PDF files at once or just a single document.
• Better organization: Clear numbering makes it simple to follow and reference files during legal work.
• Professional results: Clean, uniform stamping that shows preparation and attention to detail.

With these features, Bates numbering software makes it much easier to organize case files, customize numbering, and keep everything consistent across your documents.

5 Best Bates Numbering Software As of 2025

Now that we’ve covered the main benefits of using Bates numbering software, the next step is choosing the right tool. Not every program offers the same features. Some are built specifically for legal professionals, while others are general PDF tools with Bates stamping added in.

To help narrow it down, here are five of the best options in 2025, each with its own strengths depending on your specific needs.

1. Briefpoint Autodoc

Briefpoint Autodoc is changing how litigation teams handle discovery.

For years, lawyers and paralegals have spent countless hours reading through productions, tagging documents, drafting responses, and then manually applying Bates numbers. The process is slow, expensive, and prone to human error.

Autodoc presents a solution to this by automating every step.

Instead of assigning staff to review thousands of PDF pages, you upload your production set along with the RFPs. Autodoc then scans the production tree, finds responsive documents, and drafts complete responses with Bates stamping and page-level citations already in place.

In less than 10 seconds per request, you have a finished, court-ready package: the written responses, the Bates-stamped production, and the citations that tie it all together.

The difference is dramatic. Tasks that once took weeks of manual work are compressed into a single upload. That means your team spends more time on case strategy and less time on repetitive, error-prone discovery tasks.

Key Features

• Automated RFP drafting: Instantly generates responses to every request for production.
• Bates numbering: Applies consistent Bates numbers across productions with no manual stamping.
• Page-level citations: Links each response to the exact Bates-stamped page for defensible accuracy.
• Batch processing: Handles thousands of documents at once, not just a single file.
• One-click packaging: Produces a ready-to-serve response and production set in minutes.
• Speed: Delivers drafts in 3–10 seconds per request to replace weeks of manual review.

For litigation teams, Autodoc is a discovery automation engine. It handles the grunt work so your team can focus on higher-level tasks like building arguments and advising clients.

Join the waitlist for Autodoc to secure early access. If you want to see the core software, book a demo with Briefpoint to see how the platform can transform your discovery workflow.

2. UPDF

UPDF is a versatile PDF editor that includes a reliable Bates numbering function. Unlike a heavy suite that may feel overwhelming, UPDF works well as a stand-alone program for firms that need both general PDF editing and numbering tools.

Essentially, it’s designed to handle large volumes of files, which makes it useful for discovery documents or compliance tasks where thousands of pages need to be marked with a page number.

Source: UPDF.com

The software balances ease of use with advanced features, giving users the ability to edit, annotate, merge, and secure documents in addition to numbering them.

Key Features

• Batch Bates numbering: Apply numbering to multiple files at once, saving time on large projects.
• Custom numbering format: Add prefixes, suffixes, or case IDs to match legal requirements.
• Flexible placement: Choose where the page number appears (top, bottom, left, right).
• PDF editing tools: Annotate, merge, and convert PDFs alongside numbering.
• Cross-platform access: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Download options: Subscription or lifetime license available.

3. Adobe Acrobat DC

Adobe Acrobat DC is one of the most recognized PDF solutions, widely used by legal professionals and corporate teams. It includes a dependable Bates numbering feature that makes it simple for users to mark documents with a consistent index.

And because many firms already use Acrobat for editing and review, it often serves as the default choice for Bates stamping.

Source: Adobe.com

Acrobat DC is designed to work across different computers and operating systems, which allows teams to collaborate on the same files regardless of their setup. Beyond numbering, it offers tools to edit text, redact sensitive information, and sign files digitally.

The platform also provides options to modify numbering as needed. Users can reset sequences, add prefixes, or adjust placement without reprocessing the entire document.

With its advanced editing suite and integrations, Acrobat DC is suitable for handling large volumes of PDFs where organization and compliance are key.

Key Features

• Bates stamping: Apply sequential numbering across one or many files.
• Custom index format: Add prefixes, suffixes, or adjust number sequences.
• Modify settings: Change placement, font, or numbering without redoing the file.
• Advanced editing tools: Redaction, OCR, and e-signatures included.
• Cross-device use: Works across different computers and platforms.
• License options: Subscription-based pricing for individuals or teams.

4. Aryson PDF Bates Numbering Tool

Aryson PDF Bates Numbering Tool is a dedicated program built specifically for applying Bates numbers to PDFs. Rather than serving as a general editor, it focuses on numbering functions that legal professionals need during discovery and review.

Plus, it can process multiple PDFs at once and gives users full control over numbering details such as prefix, suffix, and starting number.

Source: ArysonTechnologies.com

The software is easy to install and use, so it’s practical for firms that want a straightforward solution without the extras of a full PDF editing suite. Once applied, Bates numbers become part of the file data, so that each version of the document maintains its identifier.

You can also select where the stamp appears (top, bottom, left, right, or center of the page) for consistent formatting across files.

For example, if a firm needs to edit PDFs after numbering, the tool preserves the sequence so the pages remain properly indexed. This is especially useful when documents are created or modified at different times but need to stay in order.

Key Features

• Batch processing: Apply numbering across multiple PDFs simultaneously.
• Starting number control: Choose where the sequence begins for each project.
• Custom placement: Position Bates numbers at the top, bottom, or center of the page.
• Version integrity: Numbers stay with the document even when later edits are made.
• Simple install: Lightweight program that runs without heavy system requirements.
• Practical examples: Apply codes like “CASE123-0001” for quick indexing.

5. EaseUS PDF Editor

EaseUS PDF Editor is a multifunctional program that includes a strong Bates numbering feature along with editing and conversion tools. It’s built to simplify the process of managing legal and business documents and makes it possible to stamp entire productions in just a few steps.

Source: G2

For example, users can drag and drop files from a folder into the software, apply numbering, and process everything at once without complicated setup.

The platform also supports PDF creation, merging, and redaction, which gives legal teams the ability to handle more than just numbering in one interface.

Key Features

• Batch numbering: Apply Bates numbers across entire folders of files.
• Drag-and-drop support: Add files quickly without manual importing.
• Custom formatting: Adjust prefix, suffix, and number placement.
• Editing options: Modify text, redact sensitive content, and merge files.
• Conversion tools: Turn Word, Excel, or image files into PDFs before numbering.
• Free trial: Test the software’s core functions before purchase.

Make Bates Numbering Seamless With Briefpoint’s Autodoc

Most Bates numbering software will help you stamp documents, keep pages in order, and organize large productions. But if you’re handling discovery, you need more than just numbers on PDF pages. You need a way to cut down the time spent reviewing, tagging, and drafting.

That’s exactly where Briefpoint separates itself.

Instead of treating numbering as a side feature, Autodoc builds it directly into a discovery workflow. Upload your production and RFPs, and you get back complete responses with Bates numbers and citations already in place.

If your team is tired of manual review and wants a faster, more reliable system, it’s worth seeing what Briefpoint can do.

Book a demo with Briefpoint and see how Autodoc can change the way you handle discovery.

Understanding the Typical RFP Response Process

The RFP response process can differ across law firms, but the structure stays largely consistent: review, plan, collect, and produce.

This process applies to nearly every firm managing discovery, regardless of size or the client’s industry. The objective is to deliver an effective RFP response that meets all procedural and court requirements while protecting confidential information.

When a request for production arrives, the legal team follows a defined sequence to stay organized and compliant. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

• Review the request: Read each request carefully to understand its key requirements, including scope, date range, and document categories.
• Identify custodians: Determine which individuals or departments hold the relevant records or data.
• Preserve evidence: Issue a legal hold to suspend automatic deletions and prevent data loss.
• Collect documents: Gather files from servers, emails, cloud systems, and shared drives.
• Review for privilege: Examine each document for sensitive, privileged, or confidential information.
• Produce and log: Deliver responsive materials in the agreed format and maintain a detailed production log.

Although each firm may adjust this sequence to fit its internal systems, following a consistent RFP process helps maintain accuracy, defensibility, and smoother communication between parties.

10 Best Practices For Responding to RFPs

Responding to discovery requests can feel repetitive, but having a clear plan makes the process much easier to manage. These RFP response best practices help you stay organized, protect privileged data, and meet every deadline with confidence.

1. Read Every Request Carefully

It might sound obvious, but this step shapes the quality of your entire response. Every RFP should be read word-for-word, and this means checking for grammatical errors, unclear language, or missing definitions that could create confusion later.

Small mistakes in wording can change the meaning of a request, so it helps to compare it against past RFPs to see if the phrasing or scope has shifted.

Pro tip: Using RFP automation can make this process smoother by highlighting variations, tracking common phrasing, and flagging inconsistencies automatically.

When drafting new responses, note each request’s timeframe, topic, and format requirements. Highlight vague terms like “all communications” or “any records,” since those may need clarification before you begin collecting documents.

Many teams keep a shared tracker for each RFP, which records the assigned attorney, relevant custodians, and upcoming deadlines. That extra step keeps everyone on the same page and prevents inconsistent or incomplete responses down the line.

2. Identify Objections Early

Raising discovery objections early helps set clear boundaries for what will and won’t be produced. It also helps save time later by preventing unnecessary document reviews and disputes.

Courts expect clear, specific objections to every request, especially during propounding discovery, where each party must balance thoroughness with protecting privileged material.

That’s why it’s best to identify potential issues as soon as the RFP arrives rather than waiting until the production deadline approaches.

When reviewing each request, look for areas that might require clarification or limitation. Typical grounds for objection include:

• The request is overly broad or unduly burdensome
• The request seeks privileged or confidential material
• The information isn’t relevant to any claim or defense
• The data has already been produced or is easily accessible elsewhere

You can check out this discovery objections cheat sheet to learn more.

Documenting your objections and discussing them early gives both sides a chance to narrow the scope and focus on what actually matters to the case. You can also share your reasoning with the client to keep them informed and aligned.

Over time, tracking objections across multiple cases provides key insights into recurring issues, which can help your team respond more efficiently and consistently in future productions.

3. Communicate With Opposing Counsel

Clear communication with opposing counsel can prevent misunderstandings that often lead to disputes or duplicate work.

One of the most common mistakes during discovery is assuming both sides interpret a request the same way. Without early discussions, teams might collect far more (or far less) than what’s actually needed, making the process unnecessarily time-consuming.

For example, imagine a case where one side requests “all financial communications.” A quick call between counsel could narrow that to a six-month window and limit it to messages between specific departments.

That small clarification saves days of collection and review, especially for large corporations with thousands of files.

Open dialogue also helps level expectations regardless of company size. Smaller firms might have fewer resources and need more time to respond, while larger organizations may require agreement on custodians or data systems.

These conversations often reveal more insights about how the other side structures their review process, which can guide your own strategy.

4. Preserve Relevant Data

Once an RFP document is received, the first priority is to make sure nothing relevant gets lost or deleted. Preserving data protects your case and builds credibility in discovery.

Legal teams should issue a litigation hold right away to cover all potential sources of evidence. Failing to preserve files can lead to sanctions or weakened positions in court.

Examples of relevant data often include:

• Emails and attachments related to the dispute
• Internal chat messages from platforms like Teams or Slack
• Shared drive files, including spreadsheets, PDFs, and images
• System logs or metadata showing document history
• Archived backups that might store older communications

These bullet points show just how many areas can hold responsive information. The scope of preservation depends on the claims, time period, and other factors such as the client’s data systems and storage policies.

Documenting what’s preserved, when, and by whom creates a defensible record if questions arise later. Taking preservation seriously early in the process helps avoid complications and keeps every RFP response accurate and complete.

5. Collect Documents Methodically

A well-organized collection process keeps your RFP response accurate and defensible. Rather than gathering files randomly, follow a structured plan that aligns with the RFP requirements.

Start by identifying custodians and data sources, then coordinate with IT or discovery specialists to retrieve the information in a consistent format. Keeping a log of when and where each file came from helps maintain traceability if questions arise later.

Referencing previous RFP responses can also make the collection faster. Many firms maintain a content library of common documents, templates, or exhibits used in similar cases.

Plus, reviewing this library before starting a new collection can reveal overlaps or reusable materials, which, in turn, can save hours of unnecessary work.

During collection, avoid mixing responsive and nonresponsive data. Each file should be verified for completeness and categorized by request number or subject. When done methodically, this process prevents missed documents, reduces duplication, and simplifies later review.

6. Review for Privilege and Confidentiality

Before producing any documents, take time to review for privilege and confidentiality. This step prevents the accidental disclosure of sensitive material and maintains the integrity of your client’s case.

Both concepts serve different purposes, but often overlap during document review:

• Privilege protects communications between attorneys and clients that were made for legal advice.
• Confidentiality covers sensitive business, personal, or proprietary information that should not be shared publicly.

For example, an internal email between a company’s general counsel and a manager discussing legal risk would be privileged. Meanwhile, a spreadsheet containing customer data or trade secrets would be confidential. Both should be handled carefully.

Teams often use software filters, tagging systems, or secondary reviews to identify these materials before production. Redactions may be applied to portions of documents that contain protected content while allowing the rest to be shared.

Maintaining a privilege log listing each withheld document, its date, author, and reason, helps keep the process transparent.

7. Use Bates Numbering and Metadata

Consistent numbering and clear metadata are the foundation of an organized RFP response. Bates numbering assigns a unique ID to each page or file (for example, ABC_0001234), helping everyone in the case reference the same document without confusion.

Meanwhile, metadata adds searchable context, like author name, creation date, and file type, which keeps productions transparent and traceable.

Together, these details make document management smoother during review, motion practice, and depositions.

For example, if a deposition witness refers to “the July report,” having the Bates-stamped version (DEF_0004521) lets all parties identify the same page instantly. It also reduces disputes about what was produced and when.

Applying Bates numbers and managing metadata manually, however, can take hours or even days for large productions. That’s where RFP automation tools can change everything.

Briefpoint’s upcoming Autodoc feature eliminates the manual work entirely. It auto-drafts RFP responses, adds Bates numbering and page-level citations, and packages everything for download in just seconds.

Autodoc can process each request in 3–10 seconds, which can turn weeks of discovery work into one upload.

Join the waitlist for Autodoc today. Be first in line to end discovery work for good and let your next RFP production build itself.

8. Produce Documents in the Agreed Format

Another obvious tip, but it’s one that saves endless headaches. Before producing anything, confirm the agreed format with opposing counsel, whether that’s PDFs, TIFF images, or native files with metadata.

Producing in the wrong format often leads to rework, disputes, or even motions to compel. But when both sides understand how files will be delivered, the process moves faster and with fewer surprises.

Every production package should have clear headings and a logical folder structure. Labeling folders by request number, custodian, or topic helps everyone navigate the materials quickly. It also shows attention to detail, which can strengthen your credibility in discovery.

Once everything is reviewed, numbered, and labeled, perform a quick quality check before submission. Confirm that all Bates numbers are visible, metadata is intact, and no privileged files slipped through. This final step helps you feel confident that your production is defensible and complete.

9. Maintain a Production Log

Keeping a production log may seem routine, but it’s one of the simplest ways to improve quality and accountability in discovery.

A well-maintained log tracks what was produced, when it was delivered, and to whom. This creates a complete record that can be referenced if any issues arise later. It also makes rolling productions easier to manage and keeps your team aligned across multiple requests.

Your production log should include details like:

• Production date – When the documents were sent to opposing counsel
• Bates range – The specific numbering sequence for that batch
• Recipient – The party or firm receiving the production
• Description – A short summary of what that production includes
• Notes – Any clarifications or special handling instructions

These entries might seem small, but together they build a clear trail of accountability. Over time, analyzing your logs can also highlight recurring issues or inefficiencies that your team can fix to improve quality in future productions.

10. Review Responses Before Submission

Before sending anything out, take time to review every RFP response for accuracy and consistency. This final check ensures that objections align with what’s been produced and that no privileged or confidential documents were accidentally included.

Cross-check your production against the submission instructions from opposing counsel or the court. Make sure the file formats, naming conventions, and delivery methods match what was agreed upon.

If the instructions specify a secure portal or particular labeling method, confirm that everything meets those standards before sending.

Many teams assign a second reviewer (someone who hasn’t worked on the earlier stages) to spot inconsistencies or missing files. Reviewing responses with fresh eyes helps catch small errors, such as broken Bates sequences or mislabeled folders.

Once the review is complete and the package matches the submission instructions, you can send it off knowing your production is accurate and ready for review.

End Manual Discovery Work For Good With Briefpoint

Responding to RFPs is demanding work, especially when you’re managing dozens of requests, tight deadlines, and thousands of pages. Following these RFP response best practices helps create a process that’s consistent, defensible, and less stressful.

The more structure and documentation you build into your legal workflow, the more control you’ll have over accuracy and turnaround time.

But even the best manual process still takes hours of review and organization. Briefpoint was designed for exactly this kind of work.

Built for real legal teams, Briefpoint automates drafting and document preparation so you can focus on the parts of discovery that truly need your expertise.

And now, with Autodoc, Briefpoint is taking discovery automation to the next level. Autodoc turns productions and case files into ready-to-serve discovery responses, complete with Bates numbering, page-level citations, and auto-drafted RFP answers in just seconds.

If you’re ready to save weeks of manual review and make your next production effortless, join the waitlist for Autodoc and be first in line to end discovery work for good.

Want to see how Briefpoint works? Schedule a demo today.

What is Everlaw?

Everlaw is an eDiscovery and litigation software designed to help legal professionals manage the complex process of handling electronic data during lawsuits, investigations, and regulatory matters.

For many attorneys, the challenge isn’t just the volume of documents but finding the relevant information quickly enough to support their case.

Everlaw addresses this by giving teams organized tools for data management, document review, and case preparation, all in one secure platform.

Source: G2

Litigation often involves millions of files ranging from emails to spreadsheets. Without the right system, reviewing this data can consume hours of valuable time.

Everlaw makes the process more manageable with advanced search tools, tagging features, and collaborative review. This usually helps attorneys complete due diligence faster and more reliably.

And because it’s cloud-based, attorneys can access and share information securely, even when working across different offices.

Key Features

• Advanced document review: Attorneys can filter, search, and tag documents at scale, which helps them identify relevant information faster.
• Data management: Handles large sets of electronic data while keeping files organized and easy to access.
• E-discovery workflow: Provides end-to-end support for the eDiscovery process, from document collection through review and production.
• Collaboration tools: Legal professionals can share notes, comments, and highlights within the system.
• Story-building and timelines: Helps teams connect evidence to case strategy, improving how arguments are presented.
• Secure cloud platform: Meets strict security standards while allowing remote access across different devices.

Why You Might Want an Alternative to Everlaw

Everlaw is respected in the litigation and eDiscovery space, but it may not fit every situation. Different law firms and corporate legal teams have unique needs when it comes to data processing, regulatory compliance, network security, and much more.

While Everlaw offers a strong set of tools, many attorneys and legal departments look for alternative solutions that better match their workflows, budgets, and case requirements.

Here are some common reasons professionals consider Everlaw competitors:

• Cost concerns: Many law firms need scalable pricing options that align with smaller cases or limited budgets.
• Complexity of features: Advanced technology is valuable, but teams with lighter caseloads may prefer simpler solutions with a shorter learning curve.
• Scalability issues: Not all firms handle massive document sets, so paying for enterprise-level tools isn’t always practical.
• Regulatory compliance: Some organizations require platforms with specialized compliance certifications or region-specific hosting.
• Data processing flexibility: Alternatives may offer faster or more customizable workflows for ingesting and reviewing electronic data.
• Support and training: Personalized onboarding and responsive customer service can be deciding factors for firms with limited tech staff.
• Network security options: Some competitors provide additional hosting or security controls beyond Everlaw’s cloud-only model.

If your firm wants an alternative to expensive eDiscovery solutions, Briefpoint’s Autodoc offers a smarter path forward.

It automates the creation of discovery documents and litigation drafts directly from reviewed data. However, you don’t get the steep costs or complexity of traditional platforms. 

Request Early Access Today.

5 Top Competitors of Everlaw

If Everlaw feels like more than what your team needs, you’re not alone. Many law firms look at other options that make eDiscovery and litigation solutions easier to manage, and a few competitors stand out as strong alternatives:

1. RelativityOne

RelativityOne is one of the most widely recognized eDiscovery platforms in the legal industry. It’s used by top law firms and corporations that need reliable tools for managing large-scale litigation and investigations.

Source: Relativity.com

Known for its ability to handle massive data sets, RelativityOne offers flexibility for teams that must review, search, and produce documents under tight deadlines.

The platform also supports information governance and compliance, which makes it valuable for organizations that deal with sensitive or regulated data.

With its strong infrastructure and advanced features, RelativityOne has become a go-to choice for teams needing a complete system that covers everything from early case assessment to final production.

Best Features

• Early case assessment: Helps attorneys quickly filter large data sets to focus only on the most relevant information before moving deeper into review.
• Artificial intelligence: Uses predictive coding and machine learning to speed up document categorization and review.
• Information governance: Offers tools for monitoring, securing, and organizing data across departments and cases.
• Flexible document production: Built-in features simplify how teams prepare and produce documents for litigation or regulatory matters.
• Global scalability: Designed for corporations and firms handling cases across multiple regions and jurisdictions.

2. Nextpoint

Nextpoint is a cloud-based software built for eDiscovery and trial preparation, designed to support law firms, corporations, and even government agencies that want a more affordable option than larger enterprise systems.

Unlike many complex tools, it aims to give attorneys practical case management features without overloading them with unnecessary steps.

Source: G2

One of the standout parts of Nextpoint is its “digital warroom,” where legal teams can organize exhibits, depositions, and evidence for hearings or trials. This makes it easier to shift from discovery into actual case presentation, a step often overlooked by other platforms.

Nextpoint is frequently mentioned among Everlaw alternatives because of its flexible pricing and approachable design. While it may not have every advanced feature that large-scale systems offer, it delivers the essentials in a way that’s easy to adopt.

Best Features

• Digital warroom: Provides a dedicated space for organizing exhibits, depositions, and trial evidence so attorneys can move smoothly from review to case presentation.
• Cloud-based software: Ensures secure access to documents from any location, which is especially valuable for distributed teams and remote collaboration.
• Affordable pricing models: Offers subscription plans that fit the budgets of small and mid-sized firms without sacrificing core functionality.
• Simple uploads and reviews: Allows fast data processing with drag-and-drop tools, making it easy to start new matters quickly.
• Case management tools: Combines discovery and trial preparation features to give attorneys a single platform for handling the full litigation process.

3. DISCO Ediscovery

DISCO Ediscovery is a modern litigation platform designed to simplify how attorneys and corporate teams handle document review. 

Positioned as one of the strongest Everlaw competitors, it focuses on speed, automation, and a user-friendly design that appeals to firms of all sizes.

Source: G2

When clients and legal teams need to analyze large volumes of data quickly, DISCO provides a clear advantage by reducing the time spent on manual review.

How Everlaw compares to DISCO often comes down to usability. While Everlaw has a broad set of features, DISCO emphasizes a faster learning curve and automated tools that assist attorneys in organizing and reviewing evidence.

Overall, it has built a reputation in the market as a platform that balances advanced capabilities with practical design, which is why many other users highlight it as an accessible alternative.

Best Features

• Fast data analysis: Built to analyze and filter massive data sets quickly to make reviews less time-consuming.
• AI-assisted review: Uses automation to categorize, tag, and prioritize documents, which helps focus on the most important files.
• Transparent pricing: Offers clear cost structures that make budget evaluation simpler for law firms and corporate teams.
• Client-focused tools: Designed to help attorneys collaborate with clients and colleagues during review and production.
• Free demo available: Firms can test the platform before committing, so they have a chance to compare features against Everlaw and other alternatives.

4. Logikcull

Logikcull is a self-service eDiscovery platform built to help law firms, business teams, and government organizations manage discovery without heavy IT involvement.

It has become one of the more popular Everlaw alternatives because it combines automation with affordability, which can give attorneys an efficient way to handle cases from start to finish.

Source: G2

Logikcull is typically used for smaller matters where teams want a fast way to upload data, apply filters, and prepare documents for review or production. Its design focuses on reducing the risks of manual handling by automating repetitive steps.

This makes it useful for firms or in-house counsel who need a straightforward solution to serve both litigation and compliance needs.

Best Features

• Automated uploads: Users can drag and drop files directly into the system, which speeds up the start of any project.
• Smart filtering and analytics: Built-in analytics help teams quickly find relevant material while cutting down on unnecessary review.
• Legal hold requests: Provides tools for issuing and tracking a request to preserve data to help protect against evidence loss.
• Cost control features: Offers predictable pricing and keeps details transparent, so firms avoid billing surprises.
• Data security and protection: Designed to safeguard sensitive information while meeting the compliance needs of both firms and businesses.

5. Nuix Neo Discover

Nuix Neo Discover takes a different approach compared to many of the other Everlaw competitors. 

Instead of being designed only for law firms, it has its roots in digital forensics and compliance, which makes it a strong option for government investigations and regulated industries.

This background gives it a unique appeal for teams that need more than simple document review; they need a tool that can process complicated data and keep up with strict oversight requirements.

Source: G2

Unlike other cloud solutions for law firms, Nuix offers both cloud and on-premise deployment. That flexibility is important for organizations that prefer to keep sensitive data within their own infrastructure. It also means firms with specific security policies aren’t locked into one way of working.

While Nuix may require more training than lighter tools, the trade-off is a system that can handle massive volumes of material, manage compliance, and support litigation projects with forensic-level precision.

Best Features

• Deployment flexibility: Choose between cloud hosting and on-premise systems depending on security and compliance requirements.
• Forensic-grade processing: Handles diverse file formats, making it suitable for investigations and complex litigation.
• Advanced search tools: Powerful filtering and searching across emails, chats, and structured or unstructured data.
• Compliance support: Designed to meet standards for regulated industries and government oversight.
• Case-ready output: Prepares material efficiently for review, analysis, and submitting evidence.

Replace Expensive eDiscovery Solutions with Briefpoint’s Autodoc

Choosing between Everlaw competitors often comes down to what your team values most, which might include scalability, pricing, compliance, or usability.

Each of the solutions above helps legal professionals make sense of overwhelming volumes of data. But once that data is reviewed and evidence is ready, the real work of litigation continues: drafting discovery responses, motions, and pleadings.

Many attorneys still spend hours repeating the same steps across different cases, and it takes away from the time that could be spent on higher-value work.

Briefpoint bridges that space. It doesn’t replace your eDiscovery platform but works alongside it. After documents are processed and reviewed, Briefpoint and its Autodoc technology can transform that information into fully drafted litigation documents in minutes.

Want to learn more? Book a demo with Briefpoint today to see how it works alongside your eDiscovery tools!

What is Bates Numbering?

Bates numbering or Bates stamping is a system used in the legal field to assign unique identifiers to pages in a document set. Each page receives a number in sequence, often with a case code or prefix, which makes it simple to reference and track.

For example, a page might be labeled as “CASE000123,” which shows both the case and the page order.

The method began with mechanical stamping devices but is now almost always handled through software. This allows law firms to apply numbers to thousands of pages quickly and consistently, reducing the risk of missed or duplicated references.

Bates numbers are especially valuable during discovery, when large volumes of documents are exchanged between parties. They provide a reliable way to cite specific pages in motions, depositions, or hearings without confusion.

Outside of automating legal discovery, firms also use them for compliance, internal record keeping, and accurate indexing of files.

While the concept is simple, Bates numbering has become a standard practice because it creates order and accountability in cases where document volume can be overwhelming.

Bates Numbering Made Faster with Briefpoint Autodoc

Bates numbering makes document productions more reliable, but even with best practices, it can take teams hours or even weeks to get through discovery. The legal industry has long accepted this as part of the job, but that’s changing.

Tools like Briefpoint’s upcoming Autodoc move past manual review and turn entire productions into ready-to-serve discovery responses in seconds.

But Autodoc doesn’t just apply Bates numbers. It auto-drafts each request for production, cites directly to the exact Bates pages, and packages the finished response with the production itself.

What used to take weeks of reading, tagging, and drafting can now be done in the time it takes to upload a set of files.

Early access is open, but seats are limited. Join the waitlist to be among the first to replace page-by-page review with an upload and download workflow.

• Auto-drafts every RFP
• Cites to Bates numbers and page-level content
• Produces responses in 3–10 seconds per request
• Packages discovery responses and productions for immediate use

Sign up for Early Access to Briefpoint Autodoc today and end discovery work for good.

Best Practices for Bates Numbering

Applying Bates numbers may seem straightforward, but consistency matters if you want documents to stay organized and defensible in court.

Following a few best practices helps avoid errors and keeps every page easy to reference. Take these into consideration:

1. Use a Consistent Numbering Format

It may sound like a simple step, but keeping a consistent numbering format is the foundation of proper Bates numbering.

Without it, tracking large volumes of material quickly becomes confusing, especially when multiple documents are combined into a single production set. 

Consistency means that every page follows the same pattern, whether you are working with scanned paper files or digital PDF files.

A good practice is to decide on the identifying elements you want to include, such as a case prefix or client code, followed by a fixed number of digits.

For example, “ABC000001” is easier to reference than “ABC1” because the leading zeros keep everything aligned and sortable. The number of digits should remain the same throughout, so the pages line up correctly when organized electronically.

When applying numbers, software tools often allow you to click “insert Bates number” across an entire batch, which saves time and keeps the format uniform. This is especially important when you need to reference legal documents later in motions, depositions, or court filings.

2. Apply Bates Numbers Sequentially Without Gaps

Bates numbering only works if the sequence is unbroken. Sequentially numbering pages makes legal documents easier to manage, especially when dealing with productions that span thousands of files.

If numbers are skipped or repeated, it can create confusion and raise concerns about missing material. 

When using PDF software, you can set a starting number and let the system apply consecutive numbers across the entire batch. This is useful when handling more than one document at a time because the numbering continues throughout, rather than restarting with each file.

The result is a clean reference number system that makes organization easier later.

Best practices include:

• Number every page, including blank or cover sheets
• Pick a consistent starting number, like “000001”
• Avoid restarting for one document within a larger set
• Verify that no pages were skipped during processing

Applying sequential numbers across all pages keeps your record reliable and ensures each document can be cited without confusion.

3. Place Numbers in a Non-Intrusive, Consistent Location

Once you decide on a numbering format, the next step is deciding where those numbers should appear.

The goal is to make them visible without covering text, signatures, or important details. Traditionally, lawyers used a Bates automatic numbering machine, a physical stamp that pressed numbers onto each page.

With that method, the lower right corner was the most common choice, because it left the rest of the page untouched.

Today, digital tools make it easy to apply the same rule. When you open files in PDF software, you can easily add consecutive numbers to every page in a set, and the program will place them in the same location across the batch.

For instance, you can set the numbers to always appear in the bottom margin of each page, which keeps them uniform and out of the way.

This consistency matters when dealing with large productions. If some pages are stamped at the top and others at the bottom, it slows down the review and makes references harder.

Whether you are numbering one document or need to add folders full of files, choosing a single location and sticking to it helps keep your records professional and easy to follow.

4. Keep a Log or Index of Bates Ranges

Applying Bates numbers is only part of the process. To make the system useful, firms should also maintain a log or index of Bates ranges.

This record shows which files were stamped, what their Bates prefix was, and how the pages are grouped. Essentially, it acts as a quick reference when someone needs to search across large sets of documents without checking each page manually.

An index is especially valuable in document management, where hundreds of files may share the same case numbers. When you track ranges, you can confirm at a glance that all materials were included and that no overlap occurred when you add Bates numbering to multiple files.

A clear log should include details such as:

• The Bates prefix assigned to the document set
• The starting and ending numbers in the sequence
• A description of the page content or file type
• Related case numbers for cross-reference

With this approach, lawyers and staff don’t have to guess where a document belongs. Instead, they can consult the index, locate the correct reference, and move directly to the material they need.

5. Automate When Possible and Double-Check Output

Large productions can involve thousands of pages, from medical records to complex litigation files. Of course, trying to stamp each one by hand wastes time and risks mistakes.

Modern PDF tools let you apply Bates numbering automatically, even across multiple PDFs at once, so you don’t have to restart sequences or worry about duplicates. Automation keeps page numbers consistent while letting you focus on document review.

Examples of automation include:

• Batch processing multiple PDFs: Apply Bates numbering to an entire folder at once so that every file receives consecutive numbering without restarting for each document. This is especially useful when handling discovery responses with hundreds of files.
• Custom alphanumeric strings: Add case codes, prefixes, or client identifiers so that numbers reflect the context of the matter, e.g., “MED000123” for medical records or “CASE2025-0001” for litigation files.
• Automatic continuation across files: Instead of resetting for every specific document, the numbering sequence carries forward, which avoids giving two pages the same number.
• Consistent placement on every page: Software applies the number in the same page position across the batch. This helps keep the format professional and easy to read during review.

But even with automation, always check how many pages were stamped and confirm sequences remain unbroken.