[EDRM Editor’s Note: This article was first published here on May 13, 2023 and EDRM is grateful to Rob Robinson, editor and managing director of ComplexDiscovery, for permission to republish.]
[ComplexDiscovery Background Note: Introducing the third iteration of APT Search’s eDiscovery Salary Survey. This annual report has become vital, offering a comprehensive view of the constantly evolving salaries in the eDiscovery area of the legal technology market. From market growth prediction last year to the considerable upswing in activity witnessed in 2022, the Survey has consistently provided valuable insights to industry professionals. According to this year’s Survey, last year, the market saw an influx of talent exploring new ventures alongside a rise in start-ups and smaller companies, many of whom APT Search helped to expand their teams. This exciting trend underlines the dynamism and potential within the legal technology sector.
For over a decade, APT Search, led by founder Amit Pandit, has been the trusted partner for businesses in search of their perfect candidates. Their unique Talent-on-Demand service has seen a significant increase in demand, providing organizations with cost-effective access to a pool of trained, experienced talent without requiring a long-term commitment. This service is particularly beneficial for completing short-term tasks, providing businesses and candidates with a flexible, efficient solution.
This report is not just an essential tool for eDiscovery professionals but is also of great importance to those in the fields of cybersecurity and information governance. As these sectors are closely intertwined with legal technology, understanding salary trends, skills in demand, and market shifts are crucial for strategic planning, talent acquisition, and career development. With this report, APT Search helps to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating these interconnected landscapes.]
While the general trend between 2022 and 2023 was a mix of increases and decreases, it varied significantly by role and region. The USA and EU typically saw more increases than decreases, with notable gains in Senior eDiscovery PM and Client Services Director roles. The UK presented more mixed results, with the most significant increase observed for the eDiscovery / Computer Forensics Analyst position.
Rob Robinson, editor and managing director of ComplexDiscovery
Industry Report Overview*
The eDiscovery Forecast: 2023 Salary Survey
APT Search
The 2023 Salary Survey by APT Search provides a comprehensive snapshot of the eDiscovery landscape, covering key sections such as ‘The People in eDiscovery,’ ‘The eDiscovery Hiring Review,’ ‘eDiscovery Talking Points for 2023,’ and ‘Salary Benchmarks by Region and Job Title.’
The Survey was responded to by professionals from diverse geographic locations, with the majority of respondents (53%) based in the United Kingdom. This was followed by the EU (18%), USA (14%), APAC (12%), and MEA (2%).
When looking at the ‘People in Discovery’ section, the Survey provides insights into the eDiscovery and Legal Tech experience of respondents. It was found that a significant portion of respondents (45%) have ten or more years of experience in the field. Those with 6-9 years of experience accounted for 26%, followed by respondents with 3-5 years of experience (19%). Respondents with 0-2 years of experience made up 10% of the total.
In terms of tenure with their current organizations, the majority of respondents (41%) have been with their organization for 0-1 year. This was followed by those with 2-3 years of tenure (30%), 4-5 years (13%), 6-7 years (9%), and 8-9 years (5%). A small percentage of respondents (2%) have been with their organization for ten or more years.
As for the market drivers for 2023, the Survey highlights the main factors influencing decision-making in the industry. Money emerged as the primary driver, with 71% of respondents indicating its importance. Career prospects were also significant, with 61% of respondents highlighting this factor. Furthermore, the desire for remote working and increased flexibility was a key driver for 49% of respondents, reflecting the changing work patterns in the industry.
While APT Search’s 2023 Salary Survey offers a valuable resource for understanding the current state of the eDiscovery industry, shedding light on crucial aspects such as respondent demographics, experience levels, tenure, and market drivers, it also provides a rich review of salary observations from respondents from the 2022 and 2023 Surveys.
Read ComplexDiscovery’s detailed analysis of the survey here.
