Elevate supported a leading Australian shipping company to manage multiple complex Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), from a single data subject, involving spreadsheet-heavy data across five jurisdictions. By combining specialist reviewers, targeted search strategies, and a structured spreadsheet workflow, Elevate reduced review population by 75%, cut surgical redactions by 90%, and delivered a defensible response within seven calendar days.

Challenge

An Australian shipping company faced multiple DSARs from a single requestor, under strict regulatory deadlines, presenting four core challenges:

• Spreadsheet-heavy datasets containing extensive third-party information
• Personal data across the US, Europe, India, Singapore, Australia, etc.
• Precise redactions required across dispersed third-party data
• Tight regulatory timelines with no margin for error

Solution

Elevate deployed Everlaw and redesigned the spreadsheet review process to reduce volume, minimise redactions, and meet strict DSAR deadlines. The team:

• Reduced the review population early by creating targeted searches based on the relevant parties and defined timelines
• Minimised cell-level surgical redactions by compiling the data subject’s information into a controlled PI file
  • Pulled relevant personal data from multiple Excel workbooks and worksheets
  • Structured each entry as a line item with document file name, extracted content, and document ID to ensure tracking and defensibility
• Maintained accuracy and defensibility through calibration discussions, decision log queries, sample productions, and frequent alignment calls
• Kept the review on schedule by incorporating quick responses and continuous coordination with outside counsel