Case Studies

An employee complaint about potential improper expenses on a healthcare company’s financial statements triggered in internal investigation. The company turned to Lighthouse to quickly identify documents needed for counsel to decide next steps. Day 1, 67K relevant docs handed to Lighthouse. Day 10, 150 unique key documents delivered to client. Counsel had the time and documents needed to determine next steps due to the speed and curation of the Lighthouse key document identification process.

Solution Lighthouse has long used AI to support data breach matters. With the emergence of more sophisticated LLMs, we can more finely tune our approaches to each client’s data. For this matter, we built an AI workflow calibrated to analyze scanned documents while maintaining PII linkage. Mid-way through review, it became necessary to add business-level information about the types of accounts that created some of the PII. The teams deployed AI with prompts already calibrated to the document set, enabling rapid analysis without delaying the timeline. Conventional methods would have required document re-review, resulting in significant schedule setbacks. Conclusion The implementation of a generative AI solution by Lighthouse proved to be a highly effective solution for the financial intuition’s data breach response. Using AI, 30 PII components were efficiently identified and extracted from a dataset of 300K documents and link them to individuals and account details. Lighthouse’s generative AI expertise and custom workflows ensured the accuracy and integrity of the data being extracted. Overall, the project demonstrated the power of Lighthouse AI in expediting the review process in a complex data breach, leading to a total savings of $550K. Novel AI Image Analysis Speeds Data Breach Response While the organization of data breach responses can be similar, every company’s data contains unique PII, making it an arduous process, even when using technology. Lighthouse partnered with outside counsel to create and deploy a novel approach using GenAI to alleviate the burden of PII extraction and linking while maintaining the rigor that a breach response requires. Challenge When a financial institution suffered a data breach, outside counsel was faced with 300K documents—many scanned—to review and support the response. OCR is a common way to include images into document review, but can lose key information and formatting, including removal of the link between a piece of data and its data owner(s). Further, in addition to standard pieces of PII that needed to be extracted, there were client-specific nuances we needed to capture and address.

The traditional approach to document review and fact-finding was wasting valuable time and resources for a telecommunications company and their outside counsel during a complex litigation. The usual search and review methods were also failing to surface the critical insights counsel needed to prepare their litigation strategy and minimize risk in a timely manner. Lighthouse experts stepped in and transformed the process by integrating AI and linguistic modeling to streamline review, reduce costs, and get critical insights into the hands of the case team, faster.The Problem: An Inefficient and Ineffective WorkflowThe contract review team had initially been tasked with analyzing and categorizing each document for various factors, including: Responsiveness 17 Issue Codes 4 Levels of Confidentiality Privilege Hot/Key StatusThe Result: Linear Review at a Snail’s Pace A sluggish and expensive review process that drained resources—while burying counsel under a mountain of redundant documents that delayed key decisions and increased the risk of unwanted surprises. ‍The Pivot: A Better Approach to Fact-Finding and Doc ReviewRather than continue with the traditional approach, Lighthouse experts built tailored AI classifiers to tackle specific review tasks—e.g., confidentiality, privilege, and identifying key documents related to specific issues. The goal of this modern, more strategic approach was to help counsel remove large swaths of documents from the review queue, speed up review on the documents that remained, and get critical insights into the hands of the case team faster.The Result: Accelerating Review with AI‍Lighthouse AI and linguistics accurately classified confidentiality and privilege for the vast majority of documents (see above) and enabled Lighthouse search experts to quickly identify 1.6K unique key documents across a variety of areas for the case team. For the 120K documents that remained in the review queue, the review team was able to double their review pace because they could focus solely on reviewing for responsiveness.Read on to learn the details about how Lighthouse experts used AI and linguistic modeling to tackle specific classifications and fact-finding tasks.Confidentiality Classifications All responsive documents needed to be classified into one of four distinct confidentiality levels: Outside Counsel Eyes Only (OCEO) Confidential – Restricted​ Confidential​ Not-Confidential​To ensure precision in the AI model, Lighthouse experts collaborated closely with outside counsel to define the specific criteria for each level. With this input, they built tailored linguistic classifiers to automate the confidentiality classification. Samples were sent to outside counsel to test and refine the classifier before Lighthouse deployed it on the remaining document population. The result: Outside counsel only needed to review a total of 630 documents to validate and refine the Lighthouse AI linguistic classifier. From there, the classifier was able to accurately determine the correct confidentiality level for all responsive documents within the 590K document population. Lighthouse experts then continued to deploy the classifier on all newly collected documents. Identifying Telecom Agreements To protect confidentiality, as well as mitigate risks to the company, it was critical to identify all instances of specific types of agreements at issue in the litigation. Unfortunately, there was no definitive list of the parties involved in those agreements. To tackle this challenge, Lighthouse search experts created advanced linguistic models specifically tailored to recognize the unique language patterns within the types of agreement at issue. The result: Lighthouse linguistic models identified all 15K+ agreements within the document population. Lighthouse experts de-duplicated the agreements before delivering the comprehensive set to the case team well before production deadlines. Key Document Identification and Trial Prep A dedicated Lighthouse search team used a combination of linguistic modeling, advanced search technology, and unique search expertise to find the critical documents the case team needed to see across a variety of areas.The result: Lighthouse’s small team of search experts identified 1.6K unique and critical documents and excerpts of important language buried within the large document tranche.‍They quickly provided these documents to the case team in small, curated deliveries for a variety of fact-finding and trial preparation needs, including: 8 essential key document topic areas Third-party production gap analysis Documents showing evidence of fraud and malfeasance Deposition preparation kits Ad-hoc case team search requests as the case evolved The speed at which Lighthouse experts were able to find critical information—in combination with the value and uniqueness of the information they found—ensured that the case team could make quicker, more informed decisions throughout the remainder of case and reduce the risk of wanted surprises.Efficiency, Accuracy, and Strategic Value with Lighthouse AI and Linguistic Modeling By deploying AI and linguistic modeling, Lighthouse not only enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of document review but also empowered the legal team to make more strategic decisions faster. This modern, data-driven approach resulted in significant cost savings, time reductions, and an improved case strategy, minimizing risks and accelerating the pace toward trial preparation.

Two Months to Tackle Three Million DocumentsA financial institution with an urgent matter had two months to review 3.6M documents (2.4TB of data).With that deadline, any time that reviewers spent on irrelevant documents or unnecessary tasks risked missing their deadline. So outside counsel called on Lighthouse to help efficiently review documents.AI and Experience Prove Up to the ChallengeUsing our AI-powered review solution, we devised an approach that coordinated key data reduction tactics, modern AI, and search expertise at different stages of review.Junk Removal and Deduplication Set the Stage We started by organizing the dataset with email and chat threading and removing 137K junk documents. Then we shrank the dataset further with our proprietary deduplication tool, which ensures all coding and redactions applied to one document automatically propagate to its duplicates. AI Model Removes 1.5 Million Nonresponsive Documents To build the responsive set, we used our AI algorithm, built with large language models for sophisticated text analysis. We trained the model on a subset of documents then applied it to all 2.2M TAR-eligible documents, including transcripts from chat platforms. The model identified 80% of the documents containing responsive information (recall) with 73% accuracy (precision). The final responsive set consisted of 650K family-inclusive documents—18% of the 3.6M starting corpus. AI Supports Privilege Detection, QC, and Descriptions Our AI Privilege Review solution supported reviewers in multiple ways.First, we used a predictive AI algorithm in conjunction with privilege search terms to identify and prioritize potentially privileged documents for review. During QC, we compared attorney coding decisions with the algorithm’s assessment and forwarded any discrepancies to outside counsel for final privilege calls. For documents coded as privileged, we used a proprietary generative AI model to draft 2.2K unique descriptions and a privilege log legend. After reviewing these, attorneys left nearly 1K descriptions unchanged and performed only light edits on the rest.Search Experts Surface the 300 Documents Most Important for Case Prep Alongside the production requirements for the Second Request, Lighthouse also supported the institution’s case strategy efforts. Each tranche of work was completed in 4 days and within an efficient budget requested by counsel, who was blown away by the team’s speed and accuracy. Using advanced search techniques and knowledge of legal linguistics, our experts delivered: 130 documents containing key facts and issues from the broader dataset, for early case analysis. 170 documents to prepare an executive for an upcoming deposition. Beating the Clock Without Sacrificing Cost or QualityWith Lighthouse Review—including the strategic use of state-of-the-art AI analytics—outside counsel completed production and privilege logging ahead of schedule. The financial institution met a tough deadline while controlling costs and achieving extraordinary accuracy at every stage.

Searching for Evidence in 8TB of Chat and Technical Data Senior executives at an information technology company suspected that former employees had utilized company resources and intellectual property when starting a rival company. To determine whether litigation was called for, executives needed to find the most relevant documents within 8TB of processed data. The data was extremely complex, dating back 6+ years and consisting mostly of Slack data and attachments including highly technical documents, applications, logs, and related system files—tallying over ten million files. The company engaged a senior partner at an AM50 law firm, who recommended using keyword search terms, filters, and targeted linear review to find the “smoking gun” documents—which was estimated to take several months. The company came to Lighthouse looking for a faster, more strategic search alternative for their investigation. Pinpointing Key Docs with Linguistic Analysis Two Lighthouse search and linguistics experts met with company executives to learn exactly what information they suspected the former employees had misappropriated. From there, our experts created linguistic-based search criteria that go well beyond keywords, taking into consideration the unique vocabulary and syntax of software engineers and developers, the conversational quirks of Slack and other chat-based communications, and the coded language used by people who are trying to get away with something. The team delivered documents in 2 batches, refining their search based on input from the executives—and resulting in only 39 files for the company to review. Getting Results—and a Start on Case Strategy—in Days In less than 10 days, 2 Lighthouse experts pierced the subterfuge in the employees’ chat messages to reveal patterns in their behavior and attempts to cover their tracks. In all, we found 39 documents representing possibly questionable conduct, which required only 141 hours of eyes-on review. In comparison, using conventional analytics would have identified 5-20% of the search population as key documents—up to 50K documents to review in this matter. So in the end, Lighthouse saved the company over 3 months and nearly $200K.Armed with knowledge of the key events, timelines, and context of conversations buried within the data, the company was primed to begin litigation efforts and had a team ramped up to perform additional searches when needed.Lighthouse KDI vs Linear Review

Firms Needed Fast Analysis of 25M Documents More than a dozen international law firms—including a Joint Defense Group (JDG) of 11 firms and several firms representing defendants outside the JDG—were engaged in a complex cluster of cases spanning over 30 US jurisdictions. The total document tranche included over 25M documents. The firms needed to find and understand the key players, timelines, and nuances involved in each litigation, while also preparing for hundreds of depositions, witness interviews, hearings, and trials scheduled across the litigation universe. However, traditional approaches to fact-finding and litigation (i.e., document review, keyword searches, etc.) were drowning case teams in extraneous and duplicative information. They came to Lighthouse looking for a strategic, unified approach to fact-finding, led by experts who could deliver the key documents, information, and details the case teams needed—and nothing more. Custom Workflows Power Consistency, Speed, and Efficiency Our experts started by creating a topic map across matters, which helped them quickly provide case teams with the core themes in each jurisdiction while reducing redundant search work. From there, as case strategy for each matter developed, the Lighthouse team drilled down into more nuanced fact-finding to help surface the documents case teams needed to learn the key details of each matter, through strategies like: State/Jurisdictional Overview Workflow – We used advanced search technology to target key documents in incoming productions and categorize them by jurisdiction, providing case teams with an immediate thematic overview of key facts and timelines. Re-Deployable Linguistic Model Workflow – Lighthouse linguists developed models based on intimate knowledge of the language used within the datasets, then deployed them within proprietary search technology to sort documents into tiers based on the likelihood that they contained key information. Deposition Kit Bundle Workflow – By bundling deposition kit requests from the same jurisdictions and departments together, we could search across smaller collections of documents and take a deponent-agnostic approach. Previously Delivered Name Hit Workflow – We provided case teams with documents from previously delivered results, giving them an advanced start on deposition preparation while further reducing duplicative searching. These repeatable workflows significantly reduced the volume of searching and coordination required across matters and enabled Lighthouse experts to quickly zero-in on the exact documents needed—without wasting counsels’ time with redundant and unimportant documents. Critical Docs Found and Delivered Across Dozens of Matters and Hundreds of Kits Over the course of two years, Lighthouse experts prepared dozens of case teams for complex litigation and handled a deluge of competing deadlines, priorities, and ad hoc requests (totaling as many as 70 requests at a time). For the Joint Defense Group, this meant: Over 1,150 deposition kits across 24 matters, encompassing 245K unique documents Over 100 state overviews across 21 different jurisdictions, encompassing 80K documents For law firms representing individual defendants, Lighthouse provided an additional:150 deposition kits, encompassing 13K documents 30 defensive overviews across 20 jurisdictions, encompassing 6K documents 1.3K documents in response to ad hoc requests and trial support Each delivery was limited to essential information—including key themes and players in every jurisdiction, potential gaps in productions, lists of hot/sensitive documents and potential deponents, and key strategy documents—and avoided redundant and unimportant documents. The combination of innovative workflows and cutting-edge technology enabled Lighthouse to keep our team small and consistent throughout the engagement, so the entire effort was achieved by a handful of Lighthouse experts with institutional knowledge of every matter. Since this engagement, we have used the same workflows for other clients facing complex Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)—making Lighthouse key document identification one of the most valuable and scalable litigation technology solutions on the market today.

The Lighthouse team of SMEs applied their dedication to exemplary customer experience and unique strategy of marrying compliance, security, IT, and legal needs to help a global chemistry solutions and specialty material producer meet the ever-evolving security and compliance demands and challenges facing international manufacturing and regulations to effectively deploy Microsoft Purview across workstreams while preparing for needs and reducing costs. Global Leader in Chemistry Solutions Transforms Enterprise Data Protection with Microsoft Purview An international producer of commercial chemicals and specialty materials upholds a commitment to people safety and well-being as part of their core tenets. As cyber risks increased along with data volumes, the organization extended their commitment to safety to include the security of data accessed, produced, and stored within their enterprise. Now, the company has implemented a comprehensive data protection program using the entire Microsoft 365 Information Protection suite. After careful design, the team is piloting the solution before a global rollout. A Commitment to Physical and Digital Safety As one of the world’s largest acetyl products manufacturers and a top-tier producer of high-performance engineered polymers, the company supplies chemicals across major industries and for a variety of industrial and consumer applications. Over 10,000 employees in offices, technical centers, and 50+ manufacturing facilities work to realize a vision of improving the world and everyday life through people, chemistry, and innovation—with products that impact the lives of millions. For the organization, an operational approach rooted in well-being has always meant physically safe working environments for employees, and safe solutions for their customers and their communities. However, in this digital age, they have expanded their notion of safety to include data protection for employees, customers, shareholders, and the communities in which they operate. The company’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) notes that committing to data protection means a “higher level of assurance—making sure that our security controls keep pace with the threats that surround us every day and seek to exploit vulnerabilities in companies like us every day. You can’t stand still. You always have to evolve—you always have to get better, otherwise you’re devolving, and you’re getting worse, and becoming more vulnerable.” Advancing Data Protection with a Trusted Partner A few years ago, when the company decided to make the move to the cloud, they chose Microsoft 365 E5 and Microsoft Azure, building on their longstanding use of Microsoft technologies. Prior efforts to overhaul their data protection program had been unsatisfactory. However, with access to new Microsoft Purview capabilities, the Information Security team saw an opportunity to try again. They hoped to utilize the full breadth of the Microsoft 365 Information Protection suite including Information Protection Classification and Labeling, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Insider Risk Management solutions. Microsoft tapped Security Solutions and Advanced Specialization Designation-Information Protection and Governance Partner Lighthouse Global to lead the engagement for their ability to effectively understand complex compliance needs across IT, security, and legal departments. They hoped that together they could develop a solution to realize the investment they’d made in Microsoft 365, and to support their corporate commitment to safety for both employees and customers. “If you were to interview a bunch of companies, those who have actual, very successful DLP and data labeling programs typically have a hodgepodge of solutions that get melded together,” reflected the CISO, “and that’s where Lighthouse was successful…we’ve been able to leverage the investment…and get it to work, [and not] have to go spend more money to hodgepodge together a solution.” Developing a Comprehensive, Scalable Solution The Lighthouse team started by holding a series of working sessions to align the company’s vision and requirements and design the implementation approach. Using Microsoft Compliance Check, Lighthouse scanned the company’s environment to get an understanding of current state activity and sensitivity intelligence. The team also reviewed existing policies and approaches for the handling of sensitive data and data loss prevention to identify any areas of opportunity or gaps that could exist. From there, the combined teams were able to successfully design and configure a holistic data protection solution leveraging multiple Microsoft Purview products including Data Loss Prevention, Information Protection, and Insider Risk Management. Starting with data classification, the team defined the sensitive information types that needed to be identified. From there, they developed a set of sensitivity labels corresponding to the data protection policy. This set of classification techniques and labels were generated in the course of both Data Loss Protection and Insider Risk Management implementation, ensuring a comprehensive data life cycle protection program from content identification through insider threat analysis. Finally, the Lighthouse team supported the integration of the Microsoft products with the company’s third-party HR software to feed HR data into the Data Theft by Departing Employee Policy, enabling the creation of a truly end-to-end solution. Fulfilling a Mission of Security The company’s dedication to safety, security, and well-being across applications and contexts drove this project’s success. “Because we see security as part of our commitment to people and innovation, we take a uniquely holistic approach and have strong support all the way up to our board of directors,” says the company’s CISO. The CISO also credits Lighthouse’s unwavering commitment to partnership. “They helped us not only implement the technology and guide us through some of the critical points to consider as we implemented the technology, but also the process and decision points with data—which ultimately, in the end, actually worked,” they conclude. Now, with the design and implementation of the Microsoft Purview-based Data Protection program behind them, the organization’s information security team is focused on operationalizing the program through a series of pilots scheduled over the next year. Their ultimate goal is total, global implementation of the solution—and total, global protection for all employee and customer data. Corporate Case Studymicrosoft; big-datamicrosoft-365; data-privacy