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Technology-assisted review (TAR)

Legal AI applications Last reviewed 2026-06-11

Definition An e-discovery workflow in which reviewers code a sample of documents and a machine-learning model learns from that coding to classify or rank the rest of the collection, sharply reducing manual review.

In more depth

In common TAR workflows the model continuously learns from reviewer decisions and serves up the documents most likely to be responsive—an approach known as continuous active learning—until little relevant material remains unfound. TAR predates generative AI and relies on classification rather than text generation, which makes its accuracy measurable through statistical sampling. Courts have repeatedly accepted TAR when the process is transparent and validated, and negotiating TAR protocols with opposing parties is now routine in large matters.

Related terms

E-discovery AIMachine learning (ML)Human in the loop (HITL)

About the editor: MHSB Solutions, Research desk. MHSB Solutions is not a law firm. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice.

Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.