Ashurst has announced the appointment of Philip Smith to co-lead its Australian eDiscovery team. Philip, who will be based in Melbourne, Mr Smith joins Emma Forbes as co-head of eDiscovery.

Clear commitment

The firm says the move demonstrates a clear commitment to expand its global alternative legal services offering, Ashurst Advance. Mr Smith joins from FTI Consulting with over 12 years’ experience in large scale global eDiscovery, data analysis and technology assisted review. Working on numerous highly-complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations, Philip has considerable experience in implementing unique technological solutions, allowing legal teams to identify relevant material earlier in the discovery process and to systematically disclose documents under extremely tight deadlines. Commenting on the appointment, Chris Georgiou, head of Ashurst Advance, said “'NewLaw' is a key area of strategic focus for Ashurst. The recruitment of Phil to Ashurst Advance demonstrates our continued commitment to invest in our global alternative integrated legal services delivery model and expand our capabilities. Phil has tremendous experience across a wide range of eDiscovery projects and legal tech platforms, and having this in-house expertise will enable us to offer our clients cost-effective strategies and solutions.” Ashurst Advance comprises over 100 legal analysts, legal technologists, legal project managers and eDiscovery professionals, and two centres of excellence in Brisbane and Glasgow.

Complexity of discovery

Nathan Bellgrove, business manager of Ashurst Advance Delivery (APAC), added “The diversity and decentralisation of electronically stored information continues to grow with advances in technology, increasing the complexity of the discovery process. Phil has a tremendous breadth and depth of specialist skills and his experience in the design and implementation of innovative solutions to address clients' eDiscovery challenges will enhance our practice and provide real value for our clients.” Smith, said “Ashurst Advance has an excellent alternative legal services team, with significant experience in relation to work types that require the systematic, and increasingly innovative, review of high volumes of documents. We are going through a time of change and adaptation in the market right now, and I am looking forward to joining the team and working with my colleagues to further develop the firm's eDiscovery capabilities.”