Global collaboration, certifications, and the future of legal tech
As ACEDS celebrates 15 years of education and community, we continue spotlighting members who have shaped our global network. This feature highlights Melina Efstathiou, President of the ACEDS UK Chapter and a long-time leader in legal technology and AI governance. With experience spanning the UK, EMEA and APAC, Melina shares how ACEDS provides clarity across borders, how certifications are evolving, and why collaboration remains central to the future of eDiscovery.
Maribel: What drew you to ACEDS, and why is it vital for cross-border professionals?
Melina: I was drawn to ACEDS because it offered something rare in legal tech: a truly global, practitioner-led community grounded in practical excellence. As someone working across the UK, EMEA and APAC, I saw firsthand how fragmented eDiscovery education could be, especially when navigating cross-border disclosure, divergent regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuance. ACEDS brought clarity, structure, and a shared language to that complexity. It’s vital because it doesn’t just certify knowledge; it builds bridges between jurisdictions, disciplines, and people.
Maribel: How do you see global certifications evolving for UK practitioners?
Melina: The UK’s disclosure regime is uniquely rigorous, and the regulatory expectations (from the FCA to the ICO) demand a level of defensibility that generic certifications often miss. That’s why the new international CEDS credential is so exciting: it’s evolving to reflect jurisdictional nuance, regional workflows, and the realities of hybrid legal teams. For UK practitioners, that means training that speaks to the Disclosure Pilot, data minimisation, and proportionality, not just broad strokes of the EDRM. It’s about making certification relevant, not just recognisable.
Maribel: What’s changed in UK eDisclosure, and how does CEDS prepare professionals?
Melina: Ten years ago, eDisclosure in the UK was still seen as niche, tech-adjacent rather than core legal practice. Today, it’s central to litigation strategy, regulatory response, and client risk management. We’ve seen a shift from reactive document review to proactive data governance, with platforms and workflows tailored to UK disclosure rules. CEDS prepares professionals by embedding that evolution, training them not just in tools, but in defensible thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to translate tech into legal outcomes.
Maribel: Your experience as a woman in legal IT and eDiscovery?
Melina: It’s been both energising and, at times, quietly challenging. Women have always been at the heart of eDiscovery, leading teams, shaping workflows, driving innovation, but visibility hasn’t always matched impact. I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant women across the UK, the US and the Middle East who combine technical fluency with strategic empathy. Over the years, I’ve seen a shift: More women in leadership, more inclusive panels, and more recognition of the value we bring, not just as technologists, but as connectors and change agents.
Maribel: What makes the ACEDS UK chapter unique, and advice for getting involved?
Melina: The ACEDS UK chapter thrives on collaboration. We’re not just a network; we’re a working community of practitioners, educators, and innovators who care deeply about raising the bar. What makes us unique is our blend of regional depth and global reach: we host events that speak to UK disclosure, but also partner with chapters in Dubai, Dublin, and beyond. My advice? Show up. Ask questions. Share your experience. ACEDS isn’t just about certification. It’s about connection, and there’s space for every voice.
Maribel: What excites you about the future of eDiscovery and ACEDS’ role?
Melina: What excites me most is the convergence of legal tech, data ethics, and global collaboration. We’re moving beyond siloed tools into integrated ecosystems where eDiscovery intersects with cyber governance, AI regulation, and ESG. ACEDS is perfectly positioned to lead that evolution not just by certifying professionals, but by convening conversations that shape the future. Whether it’s targeting new jurisdictions or refining international credentials, ACEDS is more than a catalyst—it’s a compass.
Melina’s perspective underscores the global reach and collaborative spirit that define ACEDS. Her leadership in the UK Chapter and her vision for the future of eDiscovery reflect the innovation and inclusivity that have carried ACEDS through its first 15 years and will continue shaping the profession in the years ahead.
Do you have a story about how ACEDS has helped shape your career or expanded your networking opportunities? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with us by reaching out directly and don’t forget to send any photos or videos from ACEDS events or milestones over the years.
We’ve already received some amazing stories and encourage everyone to keep submitting. Join the celebration on social media using the hashtags #WeAreACEDS and #ACEDSTurns15 to share your memories and connect with others in the community.
