Paul Hastings Adds Respected e-Discovery Expert

June 05, 2014

Los Angeles - Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that Thomas Barnett has joined the firm’s e-Discovery and Data Science group as special counsel in the Los Angeles office. Mr. Barnett joins from Saito Sorenson LLP, where he was a partner and the chair of the firm’s Information Intelligence group. He is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the areas of advanced data analytics, predictive coding, and technology-assisted review and is a leader in bringing data science into the practice of law.

“Tom’s addition will allow us to find new innovative ways to partner with our clients to leverage data for strategic advantage,” said Barry Sher, chair of the firm’s Litigation practice. “This is a great opportunity for the firm and our clients to be on the cutting-edge of the technological advancements in this space,” he added.

“I am pleased to be part of such an innovative and visionary firm and I look forward to leveraging advanced data science techniques in which the legal needs of a case drive discovery, not technology, as has been the case in the past,” said Mr. Barnett. “Using technology from a variety of disciplines, such as learning algorithms and statistical techniques, allows for more informed and faster strategic decision-making, thereby providing clients with greater value. This approach, combined with disciplined project management strategies, will provide a great opportunity to work with clients to turn data into an asset, rather than a technical and financial hindrance and to establish Paul Hastings at the forefront of this important data revolution,” he added.

Mr. Barnett is a widely recognized e-discovery expert and experienced litigator. Mr. Barnett frequently serves as a consulting and testifying expert on all aspects of e-discovery, information and data management, and regulatory compliance issues in large complex litigation and enforcement matters.

As an industry innovator and entrepreneur, Mr. Barnett has helped found and lead transformative companies in the e-discovery industry, created and implemented new service and product offerings related to optimizing legal review, e-discovery, regulatory response, and litigation preparedness. Mr. Barnett was the founding member and senior executive in charge of the e-discovery division of the largest business process outsourcing company in Asia. This company was an innovator in the area of complex analytical and conceptual data processing as well as predictive and iterative document review technology. His academic whitepapers on data analytics and machine learning are cited numerous times throughout the landmark 2012 Rand study, Where the Money Goes, Understanding Litigant Expenditures for Producing Electronic Discovery.

Mr. Barnett was an original co-author and a member of the editorial board of the influential treatise, The Sedona Conference Principles on Electronic Document Production. He was an original member and continues to serve on the Board of Editors of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) Project; he previously served on the Advisory Board of the Georgetown University Advanced E-Discovery Institute.

Paul Hastings LLP is a leading global law firm with a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Through a collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to client service, the professionals of Paul Hastings deliver innovative solutions to many of the world’s top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.