Document reviews have changed drastically since I became a paralegal in 1992. E-discovery is now its own industry and the market place is full of document review technology products that did not exist only a few years ago. Even though we have moved from paper to PDF, I have found something that remains the same for all varieties of document reviews – the emotions that accompany the review process.
I have identified my five emotional stages of a document review…
1. Excitement -The initial stage of a document review can be very enjoyable. Tackling a new assignment; learning about the case; setting up a team; defining the project; these are all very exciting. Another great thing about this stage is motivation is very high. People are not usually stressed out or burned out; they are ready to work.
2. Overwhelm – This stage usually creeps up on you as you realize how much information you have to process by your deadline. The excitement wears off and you feel the weight of having been entrusted with possibly the most labor intensive and expensive part of a case. The key here is to make sure your overwhelm leads to greater efficiency, not panic. When you panic, you freeze. Learn to use the pressure of overwhelm to do your best work. Check your workflow, monitor your quality control and make improvements where they are needed.
3. Acceptance – This is the smoothest of the emotional stages. You are no longer overwhelmed; your systems are in place and running smoothly. Your team is familiar with the the case, the types of documents, and the technology. You are making great progress and are on pace to finish before your deadline. Doesn’t this sound lovely? It is, but it may not last for very long because here comes the next stage…
4. Fatigue – You feel like this document review will never end. You may also feel cross-eyed and a little crazy. Are you dreaming about hot docs instead of hot (fill in the blank with your preference)? This is the time to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. There is also a paycheck at the end of the tunnel; think of something special to do with a little of that paycheck.
5. Closure – That great feeling of accomplishing your task. Stand back a marvel at your work. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and treat yourself . If you know you will be doing a second-pass document review don’t think about that right now. That is a separate project where you can start the emotional stages all over again.
Do you experience a similar emotional pattern when working in document review or other large projects? I would love to hear from you.
Misty L. Sheffield is a freelance paralegal helping solos and small law firms in civil litigation. She has been assisting attorneys for over 12 years. 
Misty,
Absolutely spot on, Misty! I think anyone who has ever worked on a large document review or prepared for a trial can certainly relate to each of these emotional phases, for better or worse. Thanks for putting this common paralegal experience into words! Excellent post.
Jamie
Whew! What relief to know that others experience these same feelings. Thank you for the encouragement Jamie.
Hello Ms. Shefield,
I am with Jamie C., an excellent post.
The article is well written and your introduction of yourself is well presented.
Your words are very kind Quvadus, thank you.
Misty