According to the latest data reported as part of the FTC and DOJ Premerger Notification Program, there were 157 HSR transactions reported in October 2023. In comparison, there were 181 transactions in October 2022. This represents a strong decrease in deal volume for the month of October year-over-year. However, the October 2023 number is congruent with the average of 157 HSR transactions reported per month from October 2022 through September 2023. The consistency suggests a stabilization in transaction activity.

The post October 2023 HSR Analysis: Gauging the Current Climate of Mergers and Acquisitions appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

The OECD survey shows member countries have made meaningful strides in aligning policies with the organization's AI principles. National strategies, emerging regulations, and concrete initiatives exemplify this progress. As countries progress in developing AI governance, the OECD principles can provide an ethical foundation for them. The principles aim to steer AI in a direction that benefits societies while protecting rights and values. However, achieving the full vision of trustworthy AI outlined in the principles will still necessitate ongoing, collective commitment from nations across the globe.

The post OECD Finds Countries Making Progress Implementing AI Principles, But Challenges Remain appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

The 2023 Wolters Kluwer Future Ready Lawyer Survey polled 700 lawyers across the US, Europe and other regions. It found that 73% of attorneys expect to integrate generative AI like ChatGPT into their legal work within the next 12 months. Many feel confident about the technology, with 68% saying they are prepared for its potential impacts on the profession. However, perspectives on AI differ internationally. More lawyers in the Netherlands (65%) see it as an opportunity compared to professionals in the US (46%), Belgium (38%) and France (20%). Understanding of AI applications also varies, with 89% of Dutch lawyers and 80% of US lawyers saying they grasp how it applies to their work.

The post Legal Industry Embracing AI But Gaps Remain in ESG, Talent Needs appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

At first glance, Array's acquisition of Acorn Legal Solutions looks like your standard legal tech merger. But a closer look reveals some meaningful implications that set this deal apart. By bringing Acorn into its fold, Array gains valuable footprint in the Midwest - especially Michigan as well as the Chicago and Texas markets. For Acorn, it's a chance to benefit from Array's litigation support clout.

The post Array Acquires Acorn Legal Solutions in eDiscovery Services Deal appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

The Institute for the Study of War's daily reports highlight that as the war in Ukraine nears the 20-month mark, recent days have seen critical developments that could shape the conflict's future course. Both Russia and Ukraine have secured key gains and suffered losses in intense fighting along major frontlines. Significant events include fierce battles near the strategic city of Bakhmut, major strikes across southern Ukraine and Crimea, claims of Russian war crimes, and debates in Moscow on how to boost Russia's military capabilities.

The post Critical Shifts Could Alter Conflict’s Course (October 31 – November 8, 2023) appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

Beyond his practice advice, panelist John Rosenthal took a wide lens to the systemic disruption AI could unleash across the legal industry. He suggested that large law firms will need to critically evaluate AI's implications for staffing, revenue, risk, pricing, and more. Corporate legal departments may bring more work in-house powered by their own AI tools. And the technology landscape will consolidate as some startups fail and a few dominate. AI may also advantage parties with asymmetric resources in litigation. Rosenthal posed the example of using AI to uncover design defects across millions of documents. He projected thorny eDiscovery issues around requiring companies to run internal AI systems to generate new information.

The post Weighing AI’s Benefits and Risks in Litigation and eDiscovery appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

"The ComplexDiscovery eDiscovery Pricing Survey has delivered objective data regularly since 2019, offering law firms and legal departments a reasonable tool to help evaluate and manage eDiscovery costs," said Kaylee Walstad, EDRM Chief Strategy Officer. "As legal technology expenses continue rising, this survey serves as a practical instrument for assessing costs and making strategic decisions, ensuring alignment between organizational eDiscovery needs and financial objectives."

The post ComplexDiscovery Pricing Pulse Check: Winter Survey Seeks eDiscovery Practitioner Viewpoints appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

Andrew Haslam's eDisclosure Systems Buyers Guide is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive and credible resources for legal and IT professionals seeking to understand and apply eDisclosure and eDiscovery concepts, processes, techniques, and tools. The Guide covers a wide range of topics, including the EDRM, industry approaches, and vendor capabilities. It also provides a detailed overview of vendor services and software shared by participating vendors.

The post [October 2023 Update] Andrew Haslam’s eDisclosure Systems Buyers Guide – Online Knowledge Base appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

Over the past week, long-simmering tensions in the Middle East have erupted into intensive fighting as Israel remains embroiled in an escalating multi-front conflict with Palestinian militant factions including Hamas in Gaza. What began as localized clashes has now expanded into a complex regional crisis drawing in Iran and its proxies across multiple borders. Despite international appeals, the two sides remain locked in fierce hostilities with no end in sight.

The post Flashpoints and Frontlines: A Week of Middle Eastern Military Escalations in the Israel-Hamas War (October 25 – November 2, 2023) appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.

The workplace and workspace environments have evolved significantly in recent years, leading to a decrease in traditional office meeting opportunities. This shift has necessitated the need for legal, business, and information technology professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and legal discovery to seek alternative avenues for education, awareness, and demand-generation opportunities. This update provides a non-exhaustive list of eDiscovery-related events, conferences, and meetings that are scheduled to take place in 2024. This list serves as a valuable starting point for individuals and organizations looking to stay informed and engaged in the eDiscovery space.

The post Stay Ahead in 2024: A Concise List of eDiscovery Events appeared first on ComplexDiscovery.