In a recent session of the "Eye on ESI" webinar series, industry leaders Michael Quartararo, president of ACEDS, and Maribel Rivera, vice president of Strategy and Client Engagement at ACEDS, delved into the current trends reshaping the electronic discovery and information (ESI) industry. This monthly event provides insights into the evolving landscape of jobs in the eDiscovery sector, driven substantially by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.
Quartararo opened the discussion by highlighting a recent webinar co-hosted by TRU and Relativity, titled "Unlock the Future of eDiscovery with AI." This session explored essential skills for utilising AI in eDiscovery processes, the synergy between job roles and training, and the introduction of cutting-edge AI features within the Relativity platform. For those keen on deepening their understanding of this sector, the webinar is available for download on the TRU website.
The TRU team has been closely monitoring the latest hiring trends in the ESI landscape, revealing a substantial increase in attorney-focused roles. These positions are often characterised by a hybrid skill set encompassing both leadership and technical capabilities, specifically regarding AI and technology-assisted reviews. The demand for attorneys who combine legal insight with technological proficiency has become particularly pronounced.
As the conversation shifted towards predictions for 2025, several key trends emerged that are set to influence the ESI job market:
Salary Increases: Lit-support directors and managers have reported notable salary hikes, some up to 40-50%, linked to their participation in innovation committees focused on various areas including AI integration. The industry's emphasis on innovation is driving these increases and creating new opportunities within the field.
Staff Attorney Demand: There is an escalating need for staff attorneys possessing advanced technological skills, particularly in eDiscovery. This growing market presents viable career opportunities for legal professionals equipped with such expertise.
Movement of Talent: A notable trend has been the migration of high-calibre ESI attorneys from larger firms to mid-sized or boutique firms. This shift is aimed at obtaining more flexible work environments and greater opportunities for professional development.
Competitive Job Market: The current job landscape is increasingly competitive, with many job seekers receiving multiple job offers. This trend is expected to continue, potentially leading to further salary increases over the next few months.
Rise in Contract Roles: The market has seen a surge in contract and vendor roles, now at a six-month high, largely driven by an increase in private litigation influenced by regulatory changes and shifts in the political climate. Many service providers are favouring the hiring of contractors due to their ability to start immediately without extensive onboarding.
Challenges in In-Office Hiring: Despite these advancements, recruiting full-time, in-office ESI professionals in major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco remains challenging. The process to fill these positions takes significantly longer, reportedly two to three times more than for fully remote roles.
Moreover, the adoption of RelativityOne has been steadily increasing since 2018. Presently, around 50% of job seekers in the ESI domain possess experience with RelativityOne, a trend that is anticipated to grow. Interestingly, law firms now account for 53% of roles filled by TRU, indicating a shift where, for the first time in a decade, more jobs are being distributed within law firms as opposed to vendors.
In the context of employment motivations, findings suggest that job seekers are now primarily motivated by a desire for higher compensation, closely followed by fatigue from burnout in current roles. As professionals acquire expertise in AI, RelativityOne, and other significant ESI technologies, they are better positioned to secure lucrative roles in firms prioritising this innovation and technological skill.
The data emerging from the latest discussions in the ESI sector clearly underscores the momentous shift influenced by AI automation and transitioning business practices, heralding a new phase in the legal profession that intersects law, technology, and operational efficiency.
Source: Noah Wire Services