Image: Rob Robinson, ComplexDiscovery, with AI.
[EDRM’s Editor’s Note: This article was first published here on September 5, 2024, and EDRM is grateful to Rob Robinson, editor and managing director of Trusted Partner ComplexDiscovery, for permission to republish.]
ComplexDiscovery OÜ’s Editor’s Note: EDRM’s commitment to mentorship is a key driver of success in the eDiscovery industry. Holley Robinson’s story highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and support in fostering new talent. For professionals entering the field, EDRM offers invaluable opportunities to learn from industry veterans, contribute to significant projects, and grow within a supportive network. This article highlights the impact of mentorship in shaping the future of eDiscovery.
EDRM Mentorship in Action: Holley Robinson’s Path in eDiscovery
The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) has long been a beacon of knowledge and collaboration in the eDiscovery industry. Established in 2005, EDRM has not only provided resources for legal professionals but also fostered the growth and development of new talent within the eDiscovery ecosystem. A recent example of this commitment to mentorship is Holley Robinson, Marketing Operations Manager at ComplexDiscovery OÜ, who credits her growth in the field to the guidance and opportunities offered by EDRM.
In a recent episode of Illumination Zone, part of the EDRM Global Podcast Network, Robinson spoke with Mary Mack, CEO of EDRM, and Kaylee Walstad, EDRM’s Chief Strategy Officer, about her professional journey. During the conversation, Robinson reflected on her introduction to the eDiscovery world and how EDRM played a crucial role in shaping her career. This interview serves as a testament to the impact of mentorship in eDiscovery and highlights the organization’s dedication to supporting the next generation of professionals.
Mentorship in Action: Holley Robinson’s Journey
For Robinson, the road to eDiscovery began in an unexpected way. As the daughter of Rob Robinson, a technologist and marketer in the legal technology space, she was introduced to eDiscovery concepts early on. While still in middle school, she worked on small projects like generating images for her father’s marketing work. This early exposure laid the groundwork for her future career, though Robinson did not initially envision herself working in eDiscovery.
Her path became clearer during her college years at Texas Tech University. A project that required her to interview someone in a field of interest led her to connect with Doug Austin, another prominent name in eDiscovery. Inspired by this interaction, she shifted her academic focus to marketing and began seeking internship opportunities that would allow her to explore the intersection of marketing and legal technology.
This search ultimately led her to EDRM, where she secured an internship that would change the trajectory of her career. “I’m incredibly grateful to EDRM for giving me the chance to work with such an amazing team,” Robinson shared during the podcast. “Their support and the opportunities they provided have been instrumental in my professional development.”
EDRM’s Role in Supporting New Talent
EDRM’s role as a mentor to professionals like Robinson is a hallmark of its mission. The organization is dedicated to not only advancing the practice of eDiscovery but also nurturing the careers of newcomers to the field. Through internships, collaborative projects, and an inclusive community, EDRM creates a supportive environment where individuals can learn, grow, and contribute.
EDRM’s role as a mentor to professionals like Robinson is a hallmark of its mission.
Rob Robinson, Editor and Managing Director, ComplexDiscovery OÜ.
As Robinson pointed out in her interview, this sense of community is one of the most valuable aspects of her experience with EDRM. “The people I’ve met through EDRM, including Mary and Kaylee, have been incredibly supportive. They’ve given me the space to be creative, share new ideas, and contribute to the larger eDiscovery conversation,” she said.
The mentorship Robinson received from EDRM leaders was not only professional but personal as well. Both Mary Mack and Kaylee Walstad took an active interest in her career development, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to take on new responsibilities. This culture of mentorship is one of the reasons EDRM continues to be a trusted resource in the eDiscovery community.
The Evolution of the eDisclosure Buyers Guide
One of Robinson’s most notable contributions during her time at ComplexDiscovery OÜ has been her work on the eDisclosure Buyers Guide, a comprehensive directory of eDiscovery service providers. Originally developed as a PDF by Andrew Haslam over a decade ago, the guide has since been transformed into a dynamic online resource under Robinson’s direction. The updated guide now features over 100 suppliers and more than 50 software solutions, making it an indispensable tool for legal professionals.
What sets the eDisclosure Buyers Guide apart is its ease of use and accessibility. Robinson explained that her goal was to make the guide a “jumping-off point” for those seeking eDiscovery services. The guide provides detailed information about service providers, including contact details, offerings, and links to further resources. This level of detail makes it easier for users to connect with the right providers and solutions.
Importantly, the guide remains free for both users and vendors, staying true to Haslam’s original vision of making valuable eDiscovery resources accessible to all. Robinson credits her ability to work on such impactful projects to the mentorship and support she received from EDRM and ComplexDiscovery OÜ.
Community and Collaboration in eDiscovery
Another key takeaway from Robinson’s interview was the strong sense of community within the eDiscovery field, particularly within EDRM. She described how the organization fosters an environment of collaboration where professionals from diverse backgrounds can come together to share ideas, offer support, and learn from one another.
Robinson noted that when she first joined EDRM, she was struck by how genuinely supportive the community was. “It’s not just about work,” she said. “People in the eDiscovery community really care about each other and want to see each other succeed. That sense of camaraderie is something I didn’t fully understand until I became a part of it.”
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond individual relationships to the larger eDiscovery ecosystem. EDRM’s resources, such as the eDisclosure Buyers Guide and the Illumination Zone podcast series, are designed to help professionals stay informed and connected. Whether through podcasts, webinars, or community calls, EDRM offers a platform where professionals can engage with industry leaders and peers alike.
I’m incredibly grateful to EDRM for giving me the chance to work with such an amazing team. Their support and the opportunities they provided have been instrumental in my professional development.
Holley Robinson, Marketing Operations Manager, EDRM.
A Continuing Legacy of Mentorship
As eDiscovery continues to evolve, the need for mentorship and community support remains more important than ever. EDRM’s commitment to nurturing new talent, as exemplified by Holley Robinson’s journey, ensures that the next generation of eDiscovery professionals is equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing field.
Robinson’s story is just one example of how EDRM’s mentorship model works in practice. Through its focus on collaboration, education, and support, EDRM helps individuals like Robinson grow into professionals who can make meaningful contributions to the eDiscovery industry. This culture of mentorship not only strengthens the eDiscovery community but also ensures its continued innovation and success.
Listen Now: Exploring the Impact of EDRM Mentorship: Holley Robinson’s Journey
Listen to the latest episode of the Illumination Zone podcast as Holley Robinson, Marketing Operations Manager at ComplexDiscovery OÜ, shares her eDiscovery journey with EDRM’s Mary Mack and Kaylee Walstad. Discover how EDRM’s mentorship and supportive community have played a vital role in shaping her career and contributions to the legal technology field.
Read the original release here.
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