MEET ZEST
Tech World.
Human Touch.
Founded by discovery experts, Zest delivers the technology, resources, and strategies your case needs.
ABOUT
About Zest
Zest was founded by a team of experienced legal professionals determined to furnish for all cases the premium discovery technology and strategic expertise typically reserved for only the most sophisticated matters. Zest blends a human-first approach with cutting-edge technology to make eDiscovery accessible, efficient, and effective for cases of all sizes.
A Legacy of Excellence
Gunster is one of Florida’s most established and respected commercial law firms with a thriving business litigation practice. While Gunster’s values are ever-present in Zest’s commitment to quality and strategy, Zest operates independently, providing a unique blend of trusted strategic insight alongside leading eDiscovery technology.
A Commitment to Quality & Well-Being
Zest offers eDiscovery support 24/7/365—but does so in a way that ensures the Zest team members are always delivering their best work. We will never understaff a project or push our project managers and technologists beyond their ability to focus or to the brink of burnout. We take the temperature of our team every week to gauge work satisfaction and engagement, ensuring they are up to the challenges your matter may throw at them.
Driven By Women
Zest is the brainchild of Gunster’s eDiscovery team leaders, Michelle Six and Christine Payne, who have decades of eDiscovery experience and know what they want in a good vendor. Zest is a women-led organization that supports opportunities for every walk of life in technology.
High Tech, Low Cost
Zest invests in infrastructure and people but not fancy marketing and expense accounts. We keep costs low by keeping the frills out of the budget. We may not take you to an NFL game, but we will get your productions out right and on time. And we are always happy to share a cup of coffee and a bagel and chat about what you need from us.
What We Do
Comprehensive eDiscovery Services Built for Every Case
Tailored solutions, advanced technology, and expert guidance for every stage of discovery.
Managed Services & Strategic Consulting
Zest’s managed services enhance workflows and legal operations with technology and expertise. From data management to trial tech, we deliver practical solutions. Want us to do it all? We will. Want us to teach your team to fish? We love that, and we will empower your team to do as much (or as little) as you like.
eDiscovery Services
From a technology point-of-view, Zest’s offerings mimic those of larger vendors and represent the full spectrum of technology available in the market today. What distinguishes Zest is how that technology is deployed. Zest is software agnostic and committed to using the right solution for each matter. Zest has a host of strategic partnerships with tech vendors to be sure that we can cover clients’ unexpected or unusual needs.
Data Forensics & Investigations
Got mobile devices? Think your opponent is holding a digital shredfest? With a meticulous approach and industry-leading tools, our team is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and interpreting critical digital evidence, helping identify key insights that strengthen cases and drive results.
Managed Document Review
Document review is a pivotal part of the eDiscovery process, whether enhanced by technology or done manually. Zest sees that it’s handled right, whether acting as an extension of your team or managing the entire process. Need a tailored document review strategy to fit your matter and budget? Concerned about your privilege-log format requirements? We can help.
Analytics and AI
Zest’s analytics services help you analyze and prioritize key data to guide your legal strategy. Should you use structured analytics? Predictive Coding? CAL? A multi-modal approach? Combining AI-powered analytics along with consultative and technical support to oversee the efforts, Zest ensures your team always has the actionable insights it needs.
YOUR PARTNER IN eDISCOVERY
Zest combines years of sophisticated discovery strategy with advanced technology to tackle the challenges law firms and companies face.
Zest is a member of your team, an eDiscovery hired gun, and offers what other vendors refuse to provide—battle-hardened strategic advice. We focus on clients that are not served well by mega-vendors, delivering a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all volume service.
Information Governance Consulting Services
In today’s data-driven world, organizations face increasing pressure to manage information responsibly, securely, and in compliance with a complex web of regulatory requirements. Zest offers Information Governance (IG) consulting services that help organizations establish strong, sustainable frameworks for managing data across its lifecycle from creation to secure disposition.
Records Retention Schedule Development and Maintenance
Records Retention Schedules are the foundation of many IG programs. Zest works closely with clients and its legal counsel to create and update records retention schedules that align with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements. These schedules are designed to support compliance, reduce risk, and streamline records management practices.
Regulatory Research and Compliance Support
Navigating the evolving landscape of information-related regulations is challenging. Zest works with clients and its legal counsel to conduct targeted research to help organizations stay current with relevant laws and standards that impact IG programs.
Privacy Program and Assessment Support
New laws and regulations protecting the rights of individuals over their personal information has become a key element to many IG programs. The Zest team provides educated and experienced guidance on building or enhancing privacy programs. This includes privacy assessments to identify gaps, mitigate risks, and support compliance with federal, state, industry, and global privacy laws. Zest can also work with clients to establish workflows associated with data subject or consumer access requests and data sharing policies.
AI Governance Advisory
As organizations adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the need for responsible AI governance becomes critical. Zest helps clients establish principles, policies, and controls to ensure AI use aligns with ethical, legal, and organizational standards.
Our Values
At Zest, our work is guided by principles that ensure every client is served with care, precision, and unwavering dedication.
Collaboration
Working hand-in-hand with your team, we approach every engagement as a partnership.
Proactive Communication
Clear, consistent, proactive updates ensure you stay informed every step of the way.
Empowerment
We’re committed to providing firms and clients with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.
Innovation
We are continuously improving our processes and solutions to stay ahead of the curve.
Well-Being
We monitor our work-life health and engagement because we want to work with happy people who love what they do.
Integrity
Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care in everything we do.
Inclusivity
We prioritize diverse perspectives and equitable opportunities.
Our Team
Who We Are
Michelle Six
Michelle co-leads the Gunster eDiscovery team and was instrumental in creating Zest in her image of an ideal vendor. She is a Chambers-ranked, nationally…
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Walker Hartz
Walker Hartz leads Zest eDiscovery as Managing Director. In this role, he is committed to a customer-focused approach, leveraging years of expertise in project…
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Christy Valdes
Christy Valdes is a dedicated legal technology professional with over 30 years of experience. Her tenured career includes large-volume arbitrations, mediations, and litigation cases…
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Tom Corey
A lawyer by education and training, and a consultant by nature and experience, Tom works to assist organizations with their information governance, privacy, and…
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