Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071..
Maria Georges is vice chair of Covington’s eDiscovery, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Governance Group.
With nearly two decades of experience in the field of electronic discovery, Maria brings a wealth of expertise to handling a wide range of discovery related issues in the context of federal, state, and foreign investigations, as well as internal investigations and complex commercial litigation in the following areas: Antitrust Law, Healthcare/Medicare Fraud, Financial Fraud, Whistleblower Actions/Employment Retaliation, and Trade Secrets. Maria’s representative matters involve leading technology, life sciences, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and energy companies, as well as numerous other publicly traded companies.
Maria routinely advises the firms’ clients on critical aspects of eDiscovery, including data preservation, data collection, data processing, document review, complex privilege issues, data privacy, and the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in litigation strategy. She has extensive experience and credibility in negotiating with Government Agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and State Attorney Generals on all matters related to eDiscovery in the context of both civil and criminal investigations. She has a deep knowledge and understanding when it comes to technology and leveraging AI, including Technology Assisted Review (TAR) in complex matters and has achieved numerous successful outcomes for clients in this area. She is also an expert on advancements in technology in the legal industry, allowing her to provide innovative solutions to clients.
Maria has overseen countless large scale data collection and review projects and has successfully coordinated and managed large teams of attorneys, contract reviewers, technology/legal professional staff, and third-party vendors. Maria’s expertise and her ability to effectively lead team members, ensures smooth execution during all phases of discovery, while minimizing risks, maximizing efficiency, and securing the best possible outcome for clients.
Maria develops and implements playbooks, processes and strategies for clients on data review and management and on the efficient retention, migration, and disposal of legacy and duplicative data, helping clients streamline their practices during peacetime.
Successfully handled all aspects of eDiscovery for major pharmaceutical company facing federal and state investigations into its sales and marketing practices.
Successfully defended major pharmaceutical company against whistleblower’s employment retaliation claims.
Successfully assisted major pharmaceutical companies in assessing and revising compliance and data management/retention policies.
Successfully coordinated on all eDiscovery efforts for large, publicly traded company facing multiple federal investigations into alleged financial fraud.
Successfully handled all aspects of eDiscovery for global consumer goods company, including the use of TAR, during SEC investigation.
Successfully handled data preservation and unique eDiscovery challenges for global energy company throughout multiple civil and criminal DOJ, State AG and ITC investigations.
Successfully handled discovery and privilege issues for global technology company throughout DOJ antitrust investigation.
Successfully advised major technology company on complex discovery and cross-border privilege issues throughout investigation by foreign regulators.
Successfully handled all aspects of eDiscovery, including the use of TAR, for major pharmaceutical company during civil DOJ investigation.
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