publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/503802
ILTA WHITE PAPER: APRIL 2015 33 WWW.ILTANET.ORG THE MATURATION OF RIM INTO IG IN LAW FIRMS BABY STEPS AND MILESTONES Over the years, a holistic concept of information governance (IG) has developed in the minds of most records and information management (RIM) professionals. The following IG timeline shows that the evolution of IG breaks down into eight distinct life stages: Inclusion of a transformation stage assumes that, in time, information governance will evolve into yet another construct in keeping with new concepts and technologies in the information industry, as IG has evolved from elements of traditional records management, information technology, and legal and regulatory compliance. Because the information industry is highly fluid and rapidly developing, this assumption is logical. Whereas law firms have tended to lag behind other industry sectors in embracing new RIM initiatives, during this current second wave of RIM prominence (2011 to date), law firms are out in front, and, in some respect, leading the way to greater understanding, implementation and leadership of information governance programs. GROWING PAINS Over the past 10 years, law firms have experienced a paradigm shift away from the mechanics of performing everyday records-related tasks and have instead moved toward development and implementation of organizational strategies governing how information in all formats is created, used, protected and disposed of. This shift has been driven by numerous factors, including: • An ever-increasing volume of electronic records and information • The ongoing need to manage information in physical formats • Increased costs associated with records and information management • More specific, better defined ethical obligations related to handling client information • Increased regulatory requirements related to information in legal organizations • Constant movement of client information in to and out of law firms • Lawyers' demand for increased and multifaceted information portability • The rise of cybercrime and society's response to it (development of cybersecurity as a field of study and profession with a body of laws and regulations) THE EIGHT AGES of Information Governance Gestation Infancy Toddler Adolescence Young Adulthood Maturation Overkill Transformation 2000-2006 2007-2008 2009 2010 2011 2012-2013 2014-2015 ???? This article was adapted from the 2013 introduction to ARMA International's INFORMATION GOVERNANCE IN THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT MONOGRAPH SERIES