In a recent interview conducted by Cornerstone Research, Mike DeCesaris, the Vice President of Cornerstone Research’s Data Science Center, provided insights into the complexities and possibilities of working with unstructured data. The conversation, part of Cornerstone’s ongoing ‘5 Questions’ series, delved into the challenges and strategies associated with turning ‘unstructured’ into ‘usable’. The full series can be foundhere.
Unstructured data refers to information that is not organized in a pre-defined manner or does not have a pre-defined data model. This can include data from pertinent reference texts, case notes, and emails, as well as newer forms of data gathering such as those derived from social media content and AI processes.
During the interview, DeCesaris explained the process of transforming this intricate type of data into valuable information that clients can utilize. The team at Cornerstone Research’s Data Science Center, under his leadership, has developed custom processes to streamline this transformation.
However, working with unstructured data is not without its challenges. DeCesaris notes that these challenges involve dealing with the immense volume of data to be processed and the dependence on context for meaningful interpretation. The increasingly stringent data privacy laws and regulations also add a layer of complexity to the task.
The insights provided by DeCesaris demonstrate the importance and relevance of thoughtful data management strategies. For legal professionals, understanding the potential benefits of structured and readable data from varied sources is crucial for effective decision-making and successful operations.