Pre-discovery happens before the case is filed.
Primarily fact investigation:
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?
[And sometimes] Why?
You can get most of this information during discovery, but researching before litigation begins can be beneficial.
Discovery starts with people or businesses. You might want to search the public records of the plaintiff, learn about the Judge presiding over the case, or learn about the assets of a debtor.
Some of this information can be found on the internet from various free and paid services. Beginning your searches early can save time and money for you and your clients.
For example, you could search for the following information:
Public records;
Attorneys;
Judges;
Expert witnesses;
Information about businesses; and
Court documents.