Joint Defense Groups (JDGs) are becoming increasingly common in complex litigation and regulatory matters. They allow multiple parties to collaborate on a unified defense strategy—sharing information, resources, and goals. For eDiscovery and forensic professionals, this collaboration introduces both opportunities and challenges.
Successful coordination requires secure technology, defined roles, and rigorous planning. Here’s how forensic teams can thrive in this collaborative environment.
What Are Joint Defense Groups?
JDGs enable parties with aligned legal interests to collaborate while preserving privilege under the joint defense doctrine. Forensic teams must work across organizations to:
- Collect, process, and analyze data
- Share findings securely and efficiently
- Align technical efforts with legal strategy
Challenges in Multi-Party Forensic Collaboration
Working across organizations adds complexity. Here are key risks to mitigate:
- Data Security: Increased risk of breaches when data crosses entities
- Privilege & Confidentiality: Must be carefully maintained across parties
- Tool / Format Mismatch: Incompatible platforms / formats hinder collaboration
- Inconsistent Methods: Variations in process may jeopardize defensibility
- Dispersed Teams: Time zones and regional differences complicate coordination
Best Practices for Coordinating Forensic Investigations
1. Establish Clear Roles & Responsibilities
- Designate a centralized leadership or oversight team
- Assign discrete responsibilities (e.g., collection, analysis, reporting)
- Draft an ESI protocol including communication standards
- Align on deliverable formats and timing
2. Use Secure, Purpose-Built Technology
- Enable secure (i.e. encrypted, role-based) access controls
- Choose tools that support auditable, multi-party collaboration
- Conduct regular security reviews and training
3. Standardize Your Approach
- Align on shared workflows for collection, processing, and analysis
- Maintain defensibility through consistent documentation
- Use a centralized repository for templates, protocols, and resources
4. Embrace Advanced Technology
- Leverage AI and machine learning to detect patterns and sensitive data
- Use forensic tools that integrate with varied systems and data types
- Automate routine tasks to increase speed and accuracy
5. Prioritize Documentation
- Track all shared data, decisions, and methodologies
- Maintain clear, centralized records accessible to all parties
- Ensure documentation supports downstream review and auditing
6. Maintain Regular Communication
- Schedule consistent updates across parties
- Use dashboards and reporting tools to keep stakeholders informed
- Identify and address potential roadblocks, early
Final Thoughts
Coordinating forensic efforts in Joint Defense Groups demands trust, transparency, and technical excellence. By emphasizing collaboration, consistency, and security, forensic teams can deliver defensible results that strengthen the entire group’s position.
Want to learn more?
Sandline’s forensic experts support JDGs with scalable, secure solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us or email solutions@sandlineglobal.com to learn how we can help.
