Reflections on Relativity Fest 2024: AI, eDiscovery, and the Future of Legal Tech
Relativity Fest, apart from Legal Week or ILTA, is a yearly anticipated event for the eDiscovery community to come together yet again. A fall gathering to connect with peers, share insights, and explore the future of this long-standing eDiscovery software provider.
Relativity enthusiasts from every corner of the globe fill the space, some seasoned veterans and others wide-eyed newcomers experiencing their first Fest, all ready to dive into the experience.
Our team was no different. Like in previous years, we hit the ground running—reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new faces, and catching up with long-standing partners whose growth we’ve proudly supported. Seeing how far our customers have come, many from startup stages to mature operations, is always a rewarding experience. For us, attending Relativity Fest is part of that journey, aiding in the continuous growth of our tech stack offerings.
AI Takes Center Stage
This year, the buzzword on everyone’s lips was AI. While artificial intelligence is nothing new, its recent adoption across eDiscovery tools has sparked renewed interest and enthusiasm. The sessions, conversations, and brain-picking were all centered around one question: Where is AI taking us next?
Relativity continues integrating AI into workflows to streamline processes, minimize manual effort, and maximize efficiency. The goal is clear: Work smarter, not harder, by allowing AI to handle repetitive tasks and freeing legal professionals to focus on more creative and strategic work.
As AI continues to transform industries, ethical considerations are becoming increasingly important. Data privacy and ethics in AI were hot topics throughout the conference, sparking enlightening discussions on how organizations can stay compliant while utilizing AI.
Privacy regulations are tightening, and businesses must ensure they are protecting personal data. Likewise, intellectual property concerns are rising with AI-generated content. It’s critical to clarify ownership rights and establish secure storage protocols. Rights considerations must also be addressed to ensure AI tools don’t unintentionally discriminate against protected groups.
While AI offers tremendous opportunities, integrating it into an organization presents several hurdles. One major challenge is the cost—AI systems require significant computational power, which can be expensive. But beyond costs, a cultural shift is needed to truly embrace AI. Collaboration between tech teams and end users is essential to break down silos and create an environment that supports AI adoption.
Training is another key factor. Successful AI adoption depends on educating users about the functionality of AI tools, as well as the risks. Legal professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge to leverage AI effectively while maintaining responsible and ethical use.
The human element will always remain essential. AI is not here to replace people; it’s designed to enhance human capabilities. Technologies are only as effective as the people behind them, and AI should be seen as a tool that complements human efforts rather than a replacement.
Looking Ahead: AI in eDiscovery
As we continue to explore the role of AI in eDiscovery, questions emerge around data collection from AI sources, the implementation of AI-driven processes, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining compliance amid shifting privacy regulations. What remains certain is that AI will increasingly become a critical component at every stage of the evolution of the EDRM.
Relativity Fest may have come to a close, but our commitment to providing innovative technology solutions that meet and exceed your business needs is stronger than ever. We’re excited to continue the conversation with you as we navigate the future of AI together.
Until next time, stay well and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in eDiscovery.