Peer to Peer Magazine

case studies KAT'S STORY While attending Washington University School of Law, the allure of the large firm called to me: the big cases, the big clients and most important, the prestige. In the early 2000s, big firm jobs were plentiful, and I had my pick of opportunities. I chose an international law firm and joined their litigation practice. The cases were exciting, but with dozens of attorneys working on one case, my work was a tiny sliver of the whole picture. It was often hard to see the scope of the entire litigation and how the pieces fit together. A few years into my practice, I took on a bigger role on a smaller, albeit still large, case. Early on, we thought about the preservation, collection and review of significant amounts of data related to the case. I was tasked with overseeing the e-discovery process and, with some guidance, maneuvered my way through millions of documents. Expertise is important in a large firm. Once you've successfully mastered something, word spreads. I soon learned others saw a large tattoo on my forehead that flashed "e-discovery expert." As new cases came through the doors, I was asked to run e-discovery for them. This kept me so busy I rarely got to see other parts of litigation. And, although e-discovery could account for up to 80 percent of billable work on a case, many partners deemed it "not real legal work." I loved e-discovery and was good at it, but I wanted to work in an environment that appreciated its nuances and importance. I assumed I would move to an in-house position or to another firm. However, when the opportunity presented itself to join an e-discovery consulting firm, it seemed like the stars aligned. In my current role, I have taken on more than just e-discovery. Of course, my knowledge on the subject is crucial to move the company forward and meet the needs of clients. But as the company has grown, I've moved away from the day-to-day practice of e-discovery and have taken on the practice of running a business. I used to review corporate documents and financials to determine their relevance to a case. Now I review those same documents as they relate to my own company. On any given day, I might head up strategy meetings, conduct training, give presentations, market to potential clients or manage corporate legal issues. I often miss a traditional legal role and being active in litigation. The big firm experience provided plentiful training opportunities, mentorship and structure. However, my current role has benefits I treasure. I am still active in the legal community and get to participate in the litigation process. My current role allows for more variety, flexibility, independence and responsibility. I have more control over the work I do and the people I interact with. Work-life balance is not just something I strive for, it's something I have. Common Alternative Careers for Lawyers: Contract Management, Entrepreneurship, Higher Education, Human Resources, Law-Related Business Consulting, Legal Headhunting, Nonprofit Management, Politics, Public Speaking, Risk Management The Right Path to Rewards A change involves self-assessment and intentional career planning to figure out why you are dissatisfied in your current legal career, what you are looking for and what you find meaningful. Do research, conduct informational interviews with people in careers you find appealing, and set goals. There are risks, but finding a career path that utilizes your legal education and that you find fulfilling is a tremendous reward. Kat Meyer is the President of Conquest eDiscovery comprising attorneys, case managers and known as an expert in e-discovery and consults paralegals and advises her clients and their and gives presentations on this topic. Kat can be counsel on various discovery matters. Mandy can contacted at kmeyer@conquested.com. Peer to Peer for Conquest eDiscovery. She supervises a staff consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Kat is 40 Mandy Morris is the Director of Legal Services LLC, a full-service litigation and e-discovery be contacted at mmorris@conquested.com.

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