Why starting small can be the smartest move in structured data engagements
Structured data analysis plays a crucial role in modern eDiscovery, particularly in high-stakes litigation, such as wage-and-hour disputes, class actions, and large-scale investigations. One proven way to control costs and accelerate insights is to use a select plaintiff approach, starting with a single plaintiff (typically named plaintiff) or small subset before moving to an entire class. This phased discovery approach allows legal teams to identify trends, surface anomalies, and refine strategy before committing to the time and expense of full-class analysis. At iDS, we help corporations and law firms leverage this method to deliver quick results, reduce risk, and ensure every stage of discovery is defensible.
Why Start Small?
1. Cost Control
Structured data analysis can be complex. Gathering massive amounts of disparate data from multiple systems is both time-consuming and resource-intensive. By narrowing the scope at the outset, we reduce:
- The volume of data to collect
- The number of systems to connect
- The human and machine time required to process it
This approach often translates into eDiscovery cost control and allows resources to redirect attention toward litigation strategy, expert analysis, and/or settlement negotiations.
2. Speed to Insight
When less data is involved, we can process, normalize, and cleanse it faster. Manual and semi-automated data preparation, often the most time-consuming part of structured data review, is streamlined. That means:
- Faster turnaround on initial findings
- Early identification of trends or anomalies
- The ability to pivot strategies sooner
3. Scalability for Expansion
Once the initial analysis is complete, the same structured data processing workflows and analytics scripts can be applied to the larger data set. Expanding from 10 plaintiffs to 40 doesn’t mean quadrupling cost or time. We can also leverage lessons learned from the initial review to refine our approach. Oftentimes we approach engagements in this manner by breaking up work into a Phase I (single/subset plaintiff) and a Phase II (full population). When operating in this manner, we will provide separate budgets for each Phase, giving our clients greater transparency and flexibility in managing the engagement.
The Risks of Skipping This Step
Jumping straight to full-class analysis can be tempting, especially when deadlines are tight. But skipping the select-plaintiff analysis phase can lead to:
- Higher costs from collecting and processing unnecessary data
- Longer timelines due to the complexity of normalizing large, disparate datasets
- Missed opportunities to identify and address data quality issues early
- Weaker litigation data strategies due to delayed insight into trends and anomalies
When the stakes are high, taking time to start smart can be the difference between a well-controlled eDiscovery process and one that drains resources without delivering early value.
How iDS Makes It Work
Our STEPS™ framework is built for exactly this type of engagement. It:
- Maximizes efficiency and minimizes disruption
- Ensures defensibility at every stage of collection and analysis
- Aligns budget, timeline, and client objectives
- Builds in customization for each unique fact scenario
Our team of consultative experts in structured data, digital forensics, and eDiscovery brings decades of litigation consulting experience. Whether it’s a single-plaintiff wage-and-hour case or a nationwide class action, we help law firms and corporations turn data into a strategic litigation asset.
FAQs: Select Plaintiffs vs. Entire Class Analysis
Q: How do you decide which plaintiffs to analyze first?
A: Typically, we start with the named plaintiff(s), though in other scenarios we may prioritize other individuals based on data availability, or individuals who are representative of the broader class.
Q: Does starting small risk missing important patterns?
A: No, our Phase 1 analysis is designed to surface potential patterns, anomalies, and trends. Those insights then inform the Phase 2 data pull.
Q: Can this approach be used outside of class actions?
A: Yes. We often apply this phased discovery approach in internal investigations, compliance reviews, and other matters involving large datasets.
Q: How does this help in early case assessment?
A: Early, representative analysis allows for faster strategic decisions, whether that’s preparing for trial, engaging in settlement talks, or refining discovery requests.
When the Stakes Are High
The correct data, and the right expert, can make the difference between winning and losing in the digital age. By starting with a select plaintiff analysis, you gain:
- Early leverage in negotiations
- A clearer case strategy before discovery escalates
- A scalable, repeatable, structured data process for expansion
When we deliver fast results within budget without sacrificing quality, everyone wins.
Ready to see how a targeted, structured data analysis can strengthen your case from day one?
Contact iDS to start building your advantage.
iDS provides consultative data solutions to corporations and law firms around the world, giving them a decisive advantage – both in and out of the courtroom. iDS’s subject matter experts and data strategists specialize in finding solutions to complex evidence challenges, ensuring data can be leveraged as an asset, not a liability. To learn more, visit idsinc.com.
