Merlin Giddie

About Merlin Giddie

Results-driven eDiscovery and Information Governance professional with 9 years of experience in forensic data collection, litigation support, and ILM (Information Lifecycle Management), Content Engineering processes. Proven expertise in executing custodial data collections, forensic imaging, data processing, and secure ESI hosting with a focus on chain-of-custody integrity and metadata preservation. Adept at automating ILM workflows (95% automation achieved), leading cross-functional teams, and collaborating with legal, IT, and vendor stakeholders on high-impact data disposition and compliance projects. Skilled in RSMF conversion using Cellebrite, Message Crawler, and Epiq Chat Connector, and experienced in SOP development, UAT coordination, and tool performance optimization to enhance operational efficiency and eDiscovery outcomes.I am currently on F1 Visa and authorised to work in the US (EAD Card) and not looking for any sponsorship.

Experience

1. Ediscovery Information Security Analyst

   Zirlen Technologies Inc

   Jul 2025 — Present · US

   Perform remote eDiscovery data collections and onsite forensic imaging projects, adhering to EDRM standards across all discovery phases (Identification, Preservation, Collection, Processing, Review).•Design and implement defensible collection strategies across various data sources including M365, Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, and enterprise databases.•Develop and maintain a centralized data catalog and evidence management repository, enabling seamless tracking through the EDRM lifecycle.•Apply EDRM best practices to ensure data integrity, defensible processes, and adherence to privacy and compliance frameworks (GDPR, ISO 27001).•Maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation for all digital evidence, ensuring forensic soundness and legal defensibility.•Identify and automate repetitive workflows within eDiscovery and ILM processes using SQL, PowerShell, and Power BI automation scripts.•Create and manage operational alerting mechanisms for data collection status, error logs, and preservation events to maintain proactive monitoring.•Conduct technology evaluations and benchmarking for emerging eDiscovery tools (RelativityOne, Reveal, Brainspace, Purview, Cellebrite, Magnet Axiom).•Develop and author Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with EDRM framework and ISO-compliant evidence handling standards.•Collaborate with Legal, IT, and Project Management teams to address complex data preservation and litigation readiness challenges.•Train internal teams on EDRM lifecycle understanding, from early case assessment to production, enhancing operational consistency and defensibility.

Education

• Montclair State University

  Master's degree, Information Technology- Computer Forensics

• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

  Bachelor's degree, Information Technology

  2010 — 2014

• Bharat Institute of Engineering & Technology

  Bachelor's degree, Information Technology

  2010 — 2014