Traditional First Level Review is Dead
Rethinking Document Review in the Age of Data
For years, legal teams have relied on first-level document review as a foundational step in discovery. But as data volumes grow and formats diversify, traditional review has struggled to keep pace. It’s slow, costly, and often disconnected from the real investigative questions at hand.
What once may have been necessary has now become an outdated model—one that adds cost without necessarily adding value.
Why Traditional Document Review No Longer Makes Sense
When data sets grew so large that traditional first-level review expanded to include rooms full of contract attorneys manually reviewing documents, it was the only practical way to ensure that nothing critical was missed. Even the eventual addition of TAR (Technology Assisted Review), which was meant to ease the burden of the cost of reviewing exponentially larger volumes of data has its limits. Today, the reality is that a large percentage of what gets reviewed manually is irrelevant and harder to model for with TAR—false positive and irrelevant emails or documents, images, non-responsive chat data, outdated attachments, etc. The cost of reviewing this volume adds up quickly, especially when it offers little strategic insight.
Modern technology enables a smarter path forward. Using advanced analytics and AI, irrelevant documents can be filtered out before they ever enter a review queue. The focus shifts to what truly matters: identifying meaningful patterns, prioritizing high-value content, and making informed decisions earlier in the process.
Amplify™ is built to support exactly that kind of transformation—streamlining discovery by replacing manual review with targeted, data-driven workflows.
From Reviewing Documents to Understanding the Bigger Picture
Legal discovery has evolved. It’s no longer just about reviewing documents—it’s about understanding the full context of the data. Amplify™ supports this shift by helping legal teams uncover insights from across communication platforms and data types, including Slack, WhatsApp, and Teams.
Rather than relying solely on keyword searches, Amplify™ uses relationship mapping and behavioral analytics to surface potential risks and key facts early in the case timeline. This enables legal teams to move beyond linear review, adopting an investigative mindset that’s more aligned with how modern disputes and investigations unfold.
A Smarter System That Learns as It Works
One of the most powerful aspects of the Amplify™ ecosystem is its ability to retain and reuse insight. Coding decisions from previous matters feed into future workflows, improving consistency and efficiency with every case. Instead of starting over each time, teams can build on prior knowledge—accelerating decision-making while reducing cost.
The system is designed to evolve with your practice. From initial culling to final production, Amplify’s™ workflow automation minimizes the need for manual intervention, while maintaining defensibility and transparency.
This isn’t just about working faster—it’s about working smarter.
The Future of Review Isn’t More Review—It’s Less of It
The legal industry is shifting. Efficiency, accuracy, and cost control are no longer trade-offs—they’re expectations. First-level review, once a cornerstone of eDiscovery, is quickly becoming unnecessary in environments where technology can do heavy lifting.
Amplify™ supports this shift by empowering teams to focus their efforts where it counts—on the facts that drive strategy and outcomes. And as legal departments look to modernize, the ability to reduce review volumes without sacrificing insight is no longer a luxury—it’s a requirement.
First-level review isn’t going away overnight, but it’s clear: its role is diminishing. With the right tools in place, it’s possible to move beyond it—confidently, and with better results.
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About Lineal
Lineal is an innovative eDiscovery and legal technology solutions company that empowers law firms and corporations with modern data management and review strategies. Established in 2009, Lineal specializes in comprehensive eDiscovery services, leveraging its proprietary technology suite, Amplify™ to enhance efficiency and accuracy in handling large volumes of electronic data. With a global presence and a team of experienced professionals, Lineal is dedicated to delivering custom-tailored solutions that drive optimal legal outcomes for its clients. For more information, visit lineal.com