Down in the Bunker

About Down in the Bunker

Down in the Bunker is an interview-style podcast hosted by James Merritt that explores the eDiscovery and legal technology industry through conversations with professionals working in the field. The series features candid discussions with: Industry founders and consultants Recruitment specialists Legal technology professionals eDiscovery practitioners Each episode delves into guests' career journeys, their experiences in the eDiscovery sector, industry trends, and personal insights.

Publisher

James Merritt

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Apr 2024

Latest episode

17 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2 Recap

   Season 2 of Down in the Bunker comes to a close. In this final episode of the season, James looks back on six guests and six conversations covering AI, workflows, and life outside eDiscovery: Liam Gallagher (Arkus), Aaron Patton (Everlaw), Nick Foster (CyFor Legal), Fiona Henderson (Syllo), Jamie Myles (Epiq) Ed Lawrence (Epiq). Thank you for listening this season. Season 3 is already on the way, follow the show so you don't miss it.

2. 

   13 Sept 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2 E6 - Ed Lawrence

   It's the Season 2 finale. James is joined by Ed Lawrence, senior project manager at Epiq, to talk ten years on the front line of eDiscovery, why AI is starting to replace first-level review, and why Microsoft Project should be deleted from existence. They cover the shift from linear review to AI-assisted classification, the case for standardised workflows over one-off custom builds, and mentorship from both sides of the desk. Ed also talks cricket bat restoration, including one for a Lancashire player who thanked him with a shirt signed by Jimmy Anderson. That's a wrap on Season 2. Thank you for listening, Season 3 is already on the way.

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2 E5 - Jamie Myles

   Exploring Recruitment with Jamie Myles Insights from a corporate recruiter's journey into eDiscovery. This week I sat down with Jamie Myles, a senior corporate recruiter at Epiq, for a proper conversation about recruitment, and honestly, some of what he said stuck with me long after we stopped recording. Jamie started out in retail, not recruitment. He told me straight up, "I didn't think I was smart enough" to go after a corporate career. Then one chance suggestion changed the direction of everything, and he ended up in eDiscovery and legal tech, where he's now spent nearly a decade. What stood out most for me was how seriously Jamie takes candidate preparation. He told me about a time he put together a full research pack for a candidate ahead of an interview, something that's now just how he operates. His reasoning is simple and it's stayed with me: "It's their life, it's their family... you never know people's situations." Jamie also talked a lot about the people who shaped his career, particularly a mentor called Caroline, who pushed him out of his comfort zone and got him properly talking to people rather than just processing them. That's clearly where his client-first approach as an internal recruiter at Epiq comes from, he treats every hiring manager like an individual client, not a ticket in a queue. As he put it, "You need to ask questions and listen. But there are also lots of other great mentors... that gave a lot of time to me and gave me opportunity and a lot of trust." He was also open about what makes Epiq's culture work, a genuinely collaborative environment where people actually help each other, and he's made a point of bringing in talent from outside the usual recruitment backgrounds to keep that culture healthy. One thing I asked him directly was how internal recruitment compares to agency work. His answer: "It's a very different type of pressure." His team runs like a micro business inside Epiq, holding themselves to the same standards as an agency, but with a much sharper focus on getting the candidate experience right. By the end of the conversation, it was obvious Jamie's whole approach comes down to care and respect for the people he's placing. Mentorship, preparation, and a workplace that actually backs its people, that's the thread running through his whole career. If you want the full story, the episode's up now, go give it a listen.

4. 

   24 Apr 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2E4 - Fiona Henderson

   🎙️ Down in the Bunker | Season 2, Episode 4 , Fiona Henderson Welcome back to Down in the Bunker! 🎉 In this episode, James sits down with Fiona Henderson, a leading expert in e-discovery and legal technology, for a fascinating conversation about how AI 🤖 is transforming the legal industry as we know it. Fiona brings a wealth of experience and a genuinely forward-thinking perspective on where e-discovery is headed, from the evolution of AI-assisted review to the emergence of entirely new roles within legal teams 👩💻. In this episode we cover: 👇 🤖 How AI and generative technology are accelerating change in e-discovery, and why legal teams are more ready than ever to embrace it👩🔬 The shift in industry roles, from traditional review teams to prompt engineers, data scientists, and AI trainers🤝 Why collaboration and a consultative approach are essential for responsible, effective AI integration⚖️ How to stay within legal frameworks whilst still embracing innovation🚀 What the future holds for the industry, and why smaller, agile firms may have the edge 💬 "We're moving from just processing data to providing insight early in the case, shorter timelines, better decisions, and less reliance on prolonged litigation." , Fiona Henderson

5. 

   23 Apr 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2E3 - Nick Foster

   In this episode, James sits down with Nick Foster, Technical and Consultancy Director at CYFOR Legal, a former police officer turned legal tech expert with a fascinating story to tell. Nick spent over a decade in law enforcement specialising in digital forensics before moving into the private sector with organisations including BT and Anexsys. He now leads technical and consultancy operations at CYFOR Legal, bringing a uniquely grounded perspective to the world of e-discovery. In this episode we cover: Why personal relationships still matter more than ever in legal tech, and why clients want to pick up the phone, not raise a ticket. The role of AI in e-discovery, the opportunities, the efficiencies, and why some law firms are still hesitant to fully embrace it. Why Nick describes e-discovery as a creative process, and how giving talented people room to think leads to better outcomes for clients. Nick's journey from policing to private sector, and what that unique background brings to legal tech. "You're only as good as the people you work with." — Nick Foster, CYFOR Legal

6. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2E2 - Aaron Patton

   Aaron Patton: AI, eDiscovery, and the Future of Legal Work What happens when artificial intelligence meets one of the most document-heavy professions on earth? Legal discovery is being transformed and Aaron Patton has a front-row seat. Aaron is a lawyer turned solutions architect at Everlaw, with a background spanning Netscape, discovery consulting, and years of helping legal teams make sense of complex software and AI tools. In this conversation, he gives us an honest, grounded take on how AI is reshaping eDiscovery: the genuine efficiency gains, the critical importance of validation, and the new kinds of expertise the profession will need. We cover why context still matters as much as ever, what roles are emerging on the back of AI adoption, and how lawyers and legal teams can work alongside these tools without outsourcing their judgement to them. Thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful, whether you're in law, tech, or both.

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Down in the Bunker: S2E1 - Liam Gallagher

   We kicked off Season 2 with a brilliant guest — Liam Gallagher, Director of Client Success at Arkus Consulting, who joined us in the bunker to talk about what it really takes to keep clients happy in the world of eDiscovery. Liam's take on client success is refreshingly straightforward: it's not a department, it's a mindset. For him, the job is about going beyond simply delivering a service and genuinely consulting with clients to understand their specific challenges. That means listening properly, thinking creatively, and building the kind of trust that turns a one-off engagement into a long-term relationship. We also got into the role of AI in eDiscovery and Liam made a compelling case for it. At Arkus, they're using generative AI to make document review faster, cheaper, and more consistent. The technology isn't without its sceptics, of course, and Liam was candid about that too. The key, he said, is transparency, explaining clearly what AI can and can't do, rather than overselling it, so clients can make informed decisions about adoption. The thread running through the whole conversation was this idea of tailored, consultative service. Whether it's structuring a client success framework or navigating the complexities of AI adoption, the answer always comes back to communication and adaptability. A great way to open the new series. Give it a listen.

8. 

   10 Sept 2025

   Down in the Bunker: S1 E6 - Amit Pandit

   In this episode of Down with the Bunker, host James Merritt speaks with Amit Pandit about his journey from the UK to Australia, his career in recruitment and e-discovery, and the evolving landscape of the job market. Amit shares insights on the differences between the Australian and UK markets, the value of external recruiters, and the changing preferences of candidates in the face of new technologies. He also discusses his adaptation to the Australian lifestyle, highlighting the importance of outdoor activities and family life.

9. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Down in the Bunker: S1 E5 - Lisa Burton

   In this engaging conversation, James Merritt interviews Lisa Burton, a seasoned professional in the legal tech industry. Lisa shares her journey from law to technology, her experiences in eDiscovery, and her current role at Authentic Legal AI. The discussion delves into the importance of information governance, the impact of AI on data management, and the significance of a people-centric approach in legal tech. Lisa emphasises the need for ethical AI use and the challenges organisations face in understanding their data. The conversation concludes with insights into Lisa's personal life and her commitment to giving back to the community.

10. 

    27 Mar 2025

    Down in the Bunker: S1 E4 - Tim Harrison

    In this engaging conversation, Tim Harrison shares his journey from being a lawyer to founding Arkus Consulting, emphasising the importance of family, personal development, and the evolving landscape of eDiscovery and AI in the legal industry. He discusses the rapid adoption of AI technologies and their implications for legal professionals, while also reflecting on his personal life and love for cricket.

11. 

    6 Jun 2024

    Down in the Bunker: S1 E3 - Toby Berryman

    In this conversation, James Merritt interviews Toby Berryman, a partner in a recruitment business called Rolf Berryman. They discuss the importance of using external recruiters in the eDiscovery industry, the evolving technology expertise required in the field, and the changing landscape of the discovery marketplace. Toby also shares his involvement in supporting the Meningitis campaigns and talks about his upbringing as an army kid and his love for traveling.

12. 

    14 May 2024

    Down in the Bunker: S1 E2- James MacGregor

    James MacGregor, founder of Ethical eDiscovery, joins James Merritt to discuss his career in the eDiscovery industry and his passion for improv comedy. MacGregor shares how he fell into eDiscovery by accident and the challenges and rewards of running his own business. He also talks about his involvement in charitable work and his desire to provide bespoke services to small and medium-sized firms. MacGregor emphasises the importance of finding a balance between work and family life and shares his love for improv as a form of escapism.

13. 

    11 Apr 2024

    Down in the Bunker: S1 E1 - Charles Lavallée

    Charles Lavallée, a director at Infinium, shares his background and journey in the e-discovery and information governance industry. He started his career in e-discovery and transitioned to technology, focusing on emerging technologies in the e-discovery and information governance space. Charles also talks about his music career and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in law. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and the enjoyment he finds in working with people and technology. The conversation also touches on the changing marketplace and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the rapid pace of innovation in the electronic discovery and information governance market, particularly in relation to AI. The guest emphasizes the importance of managing data effectively and the need for continuous education in the industry. They discuss the opportunities for those entering the industry now and the impact of technology on our lives. The guest also shares their passion for photography and drone videography.

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Spotify

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.