[Podcast] HaystackID® in the EDRM Illumination Zone: Ryan Costello, Director of Program Management
Editor’s Note: Ryan Costello’s career spans Washington, D.C., Brussels, Dublin, and Rome, giving him a global perspective on eDiscovery, data privacy, and compliance. In this episode of the EDRM Illumination Zone podcast, hosts Mary Mack, Kaylee Walstad, and Holley Robinson explore Costello’s journey and his expertise in cross-border discovery, shaped by pivotal moments like the introduction of federal rules for electronically stored information and the rise of GDPR. He discusses his role at HaystackID®, where he helps organizations navigate AI adoption, data security, and compliance challenges, emphasizing the importance of data classification and proactive strategies. Costello also shares insights into the Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) initiative, which is working to redefine how legal teams manage and advocate for data strategies. With a focus on strengthening cybersecurity defenses, he highlights HaystackID’s approach to threat intelligence, penetration testing, and privacy-first design. This conversation blends deep industry expertise with real-world applications, making it a must-listen for professionals tackling eDiscovery, AI, and regulatory compliance.
[Podcast] HaystackID® in the EDRM Illumination Zone: Ryan Costello, Director of Program Management
By HaystackID Staff
From Washington, D.C., to Brussels, to Dublin, to Rome, Ryan Costello’s career has taken him across the world of eDiscovery, data privacy, and compliance. In the latest EDRM Illumination Zone podcast episode, hosts Mary Mack, Kaylee Walstad, and Holley Robinson sat down with Costello, Director of Program Management – Advisory Services at HaystackID, to explore his journey and insights. He shared how key moments—like the introduction of federal rules for electronically stored information and the rise of GDPR—shaped his expertise in cross-border discovery and positioned him as a trusted advisor in the legal tech space.
Costello unpacked his work at HaystackID, where he helps clients tackle AI adoption, data security, and compliance challenges. During the engaging conversation, Costello shared how organizations can get ahead by classifying and structuring their data before rolling out AI tools like Copilot for Microsoft 365®. He also highlights his involvement with the Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) initiative, which is working to redefine how legal teams manage and advocate for data strategies. With a focus on proactive security, Costello shared how HaystackID is helping organizations strengthen their defenses through threat intelligence, penetration testing, and privacy-first design.
With a mix of industry expertise, regulatory insights, and personal storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for professionals navigating eDiscovery, AI, and the evolving world of data privacy.
More About Ryan Costello
Ryan Costello is a seasoned legal and data privacy expert with deep experience in eDiscovery, regulatory compliance, and cross-border data management. As Director of Program Management of Advisory Services at HaystackID, Costello helps organizations navigate complex challenges in data governance, AI integration, and privacy compliance. His work focuses on proactive strategies for information security, data classification, and regulatory readiness, ensuring that clients stay ahead of evolving legal and technological landscapes. Before joining HaystackID in September 2024, Costello spent nearly six years at ProSearch, where he played a key role in advising clients on data protection, eDiscovery workflows, and compliance strategies. A U.S.-qualified lawyer, Costello brings a global perspective to legal consulting, having managed projects across the United States and Europe. His expertise spans GDPR, cross-border discovery, and privacy-first frameworks that balance innovation with risk mitigation. Costello holds multiple certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), including Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E). With a career that bridges legal, privacy, and technology domains, Costello is a trusted advisor to corporations and law firms managing high-stakes data challenges.
The podcast is available on your favorite listening app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Play. The podcast is available on the EDRM website and is provided below for convenience.
Additional Listening
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About the Electronic Discovery Reference Model
Empowering the global leaders of e-discovery, the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) creates practical global resources to improve e-discovery, privacy, security, and information governance. Since 2005, EDRM has delivered leadership, standards, tools, guides, and test datasets to strengthen best practices throughout the world. EDRM has an international presence in 136 countries, spanning six continents. EDRM provides an innovative support infrastructure for individuals, law firms, corporations, and government organizations seeking to improve the practice and provision of data and legal discovery with 19 active projects. Learn more at EDRM.net.
About HaystackID®
HaystackID solves complex data challenges related to legal, compliance, regulatory, and cyber events. Core offerings include Global Advisory, Data Discovery Intelligence, HaystackID Core® Platform, and AI-enhanced Global Managed Review powered by its proprietary platform, ReviewRight®. Repeatedly recognized as one of the world’s most trusted legal industry providers by prestigious publishers such as Chambers, Gartner, IDC, and Legaltech News, HaystackID implements innovative cyber discovery, enterprise solutions, and legal and compliance offerings to leading companies and legal practices around the world. HaystackID offers highly curated and customized offerings while prioritizing security, privacy, and integrity. For more information about how HaystackID can help solve unique legal enterprise needs, please visit HaystackID.com.
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Source: HaystackID