Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
Who can join The OLP?
Anyone with an interest in the legal field is welcome to join OLP. You do not have to take the certification exam in order to belong. OLP invites professionals from all practice areas to participate. The organization's membership and boards reflect a diverse constituency — a key component of OLP's mission to collaborate on the certification initiative.
What is the purpose of OLP?
OLP was formed to establish global standards for e-discovery and other professionals through collaboration, education and certification. OLP is dedicated to creating a higher level of delivering quality legal services and products and contributing to the career development of legal professionals throughout the world.
OLP's members are comprised of individuals seriously involved in the litigation arena. They include: attorneys, judges, law professors, educators, paralegals, paralegal managers, litigation support managers and analysts, technical support staff, consultants, vendors, software developers and judiciary.
How is OLP structured?
OLP's day-to-day operations is run by the Board of Directors. The Board of Governors directs and advises the Board of Directors. The Advisory Council is comprised of "in-the-trenches" professionals who give feedback and input to the steps and direction the Board of Governors and Board of Directors is taking.
What member benefits does OLP offer?
Programs and services for members and OLP sponsors will include:
- The OLP Update, our monthly electronic publication
- Monthly webinars and podcasts
- Professional networking
- Participation with local chapters
- Participation in a special "Members Only" Directory on LegalTechBase.com
- Professional standards and certification
- Member Directory
- Member Benefit Provider discounts
- Discounts on certification e-learning training and modules
- Monthly e-newsletter
- Forums and listservs
- Opportunity to participate as Subject Matter Experts
How does the certification process work?
Please see more in the Certificaiton Section.
How does OLP's certification differ from others?
OLP's certification is awarded only after the member passes an examination. At this point, there are no other certification examinations available in e-Discovery. OLP is also vendor neutral and does not promote any one vendor, software, hardware, consultant or platform. There are no mandatory CLE education requirements or seminars that you must attend in order to take the exam.
What kind of staffing support does OLP have?
The Estrin Education, Inc. manages OLP. EEI handles the day-to-day operations of administration, support committee work, and spearhead logistics related to programming and education. Because OLP has hired EEI professionals to staff OLP, there is full management without having to rely on volunteers who may have time restraints that preclude them from getting all the work done necessary for the size of this committment. Volunteers serve in an oversight and advisory capacity — allowing them to make a significant impact with minimal time requirements.
How can I find out if there is a chapter near me?
OLP is just in the development stage for local chapters. If you or a colleague you know would like to start a chapter, please contact info@theolp.org for more information. We encourage you to start a chapter in your area to help spread the word and promote education in this arena.
