The Top Ediscovery Certification Programs in 2024
Electronic discovery, or ediscovery as it is known, is one of the tenets of legal work today. The digital transformation of our world means that every text, email, Slack message, and Zoom call is potentially discoverable and fair game in court. Everyone from partners to paralegals are confronted with this data every single day.
The ability to comb through millions of documents to find the data that’s essential to your case is fast becoming an important skill for every type of legal professional. As the amount of potentially discoverable data grows, navigating the ediscovery process will only take on greater importance.
Ediscovery certification is a way to learn more about the discovery process generally, and legitimize your skills to become an ediscovery expert.
What Is Ediscovery Certification?
Ediscovery certification validates the expertise and knowledge of legal professionals in managing electronic data within the legal framework. It encompasses a broad range of skills, from understanding legal requirements and litigation processes to mastering the technology used to handle digital evidence.
Those certified in ediscovery have demonstrated their ability to effectively manage ediscovery projects, ensuring that digital evidence is handled in a legally compliant and efficient manner.
Why Is Ediscovery Certification Important?
In today's digital age, the volume of electronic data generated and stored has exploded, making ediscovery a necessary component of legal proceedings. Ediscovery certification is crucial because it:
Ensures competency. Certification confirms that professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex ediscovery challenges.
Promotes standardization. It helps standardize practices across the industry, leading to more consistent and reliable ediscovery processes.
Enhances credibility. Certified professionals are often seen as more credible, which can be a significant advantage in legal proceedings and within the professional community.
Advances careers. It provides individuals with a competitive edge in the job market, leading to better job opportunities and career growth.
What Are the Different Types of Ediscovery Certification?
Ediscovery certifications vary widely, catering to different expertise levels and professional needs. There are certifications that focus solely on the legal aspects of ediscovery, others that delve into the technology behind it, and still more that are concerned with the process of ediscovery itself.
Common types of certifications relevant to ediscovery professionals include:
Certified ediscovery specialists. Focuses on the legal and technical aspects of ediscovery.
Legal project management certification. Emphasizes the management of ediscovery projects.
Digital forensics certification. Concentrates on the technical side of ediscovery, including data collection and analysis.
Information governance certification. Covers how ediscovery processes fit within broader data management and compliance frameworks.
What Are the Top Ediscovery Certification Programs in 2024?
Here are some of the top ediscovery certification programs in 2024.
ACEDS
The Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) offers one of the most respected ediscovery certifications in the field. Their Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) certification is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of the legal and technical aspects of ediscovery.
The CEDS exam consists of 145 multiple choice questions, and is considered one of the more rigorous certification exams. It also comes with bonuses like a digital badge, two-year CEDS certification, one-year ACEDS membership, access to the ACEDS mentorship program, and more.
Everlaw Product Certification
The Everlaw Product Certification Program is geared towards both legal professionals and IT specialists. You can receive certifications in a range of disciplines, from the Reviewer Certification, which includes document review and search fundamentals, to the Litigation Support Manager Certification, which is perfect for Everlaw power users looking to get the most out of the platform. Courses are separated out by modules, breaking the information out into manageable pieces. You’ll also gain access to training materials and webinars to help along the way.
Everlaw is one of the leaders in the ediscovery training and certification space for its emphasis on using technology to streamline the ediscovery process. A certification credential from the Everlaw Product Certification Program helps you prove the knowledge gained in the Everlaw platform. Here’s an overview of each type of certification offered:
Reviewer Certification. The Reviewer Certification covers document review and search fundamentals. It’s great for beginners and professionals who are conducting document review on the Everlaw platform.
Storybuilder Certification. The topics included in the Storybuilder Certification include timeline, collaborative drafting, and deposition workflows. It’s worthwhile for beginners and legal professionals who are collaboratively building their case narrative in Everlaw.
Data Operations Certification. The Data Operations Certification concerns data uploads and production. It’s useful for those looking to conduct their own uploads and productions, and professionals who are responsible for their team’s data operations.
Everlaw AI Certification. The Everlaw AI Certification covers Everlaw features like clustering, predictive coding, and all of Everlaw’s generative AI feature set. It’s best for intermediate and advanced Everlaw users who are familiar with TAR and predictive coding workflows.
Managing Review Certification. Everlaw’s Managing Review Certification goes over topics like document review, review management, and assignments. It’s recommended for professionals who are building or supporting their team’s document review workflows through Everlaw.
Project Manager Certification. The Project Manager Certification goes over database and case setup, data exploration, managing document review, and includes reviewer and data operations specialized tracks. It’s best for professionals who are overseeing their organization’s project administration efforts.
Litigation Support Manager Certification. The Litigation Support Manager Certification covers the full Everlaw platform functionality, and includes all foundational, specialized, and advanced tracks. It’s great for Everlaw power users and professionals who are fully supporting their organization’s use of Everlaw. Beginner and intermediate users of Everlaw can expect to complete this certification over time.
Arkfeld Ediscovery Education Center
The Arkfeld Ediscovery Education Center programs are known for their emphasis on the legal aspects of ediscovery, offering courses that blend legal education with practical ediscovery applications. Their certifications focus primarily on law firms and offer CLE credit.
They offer four different levels of ediscovery certification, ranging from a basic, 7-hour online course to a master ediscovery class, which features live instruction and involves reading materials and independent classwork.
NALA
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers certification that includes ediscovery as part of its broader legal assistant certification program, making it ideal for legal support professionals who want to expand their ediscovery knowledge.
NALA's certification program emphasizes the role of support staff in the ediscovery process, covering topics such as document review, legal holds, and data privacy. It's a pathway for legal support professionals to validate their skills and advance their careers in the realm of ediscovery.
CLS by BARBRI
The Center for Legal Studies (CLS) by BARBRI focuses on providing legal professionals with a solid foundation in ediscovery principles, along with practical skills in legal technology tools. As one of the top continuing legal education providers in the country, they provide a range of courses and certifications to all types of legal professionals.
Their ediscovery course is endorsed by ACEDS, and is 7 weeks long, with 24/7 course accessibility and self-paced online classes. Depending on the school you take the course with, you may need to pay for course materials like textbooks in addition to the price of tuition.
Is Ediscovery Certification Worth It?
Ediscovery certification is undoubtedly worth it for those looking to specialize in this field. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow across the ediscovery industry, professional certifications can significantly enhance your marketability, credibility, and career advancement opportunities. It demonstrates a commitment to your profession and a mastery of the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of ediscovery and litigation support.
As the ediscovery field continues to grow and expand, training programs and certifications will only become more developed and detailed, providing professionals with a wider breadth of skills.
Whether you're a legal professional, IT specialist, or somewhere in between, pursuing an ediscovery certification in 2024 could be a strategic career move.
Join us at Everlaw Summit ‘24 to get in-person certification and hands-on training from our user education experts!
