What the 2024 Canadian eDiscovery Salary Report Really Means for Your Career
In the recent ACEDS webinar, “Beyond the Numbers: What the 2024 eDiscovery Salary Report Tells Us About the Industry in Canada,” our expert panel unpacked more than just compensation data. We explored the real-world trends transforming eDiscovery careers across Canada—from shifting expectations and evolving skill sets to the cultural and leadership dynamics redefining the workplace. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or leading a team, these insights offer a powerful snapshot of where the industry is headed—and how you can stay ahead.
This conversation featured insights from the ACEDS Canadian Salary Survey Panel: Tracey Both, Lisa Evenson, Monique Server, Chris Walker, and Andrea Williams—each bringing a unique lens from their experience across legal tech, litigation, and talent development.
The Industry Is Growing — But Mind the Gaps
eDiscovery in Canada is expanding—particularly at senior levels—but a widening talent gap is emerging. With hybrid work and project-based hiring becoming the norm, many employers are finding it difficult to onboard and upskill new professionals, especially those with limited in-person work experience.
Pro Tip: Invest in structured onboarding, mentorship, and succession planning. The industry needs more technically savvy specialists and project managers who can bridge the gap between tech and client needs.
Who’s in the Industry?
The report shows a predominantly mid-career, female, and well-educated workforce, often deeply engaged in professional networks like ACEDS and Women in eDiscovery. Diverse paths into the field — including through certifications and hands on experience — are increasingly common.
Pro Tip: Whether hiring or job-seeking, prioritize community engagement and continuous learning. Networking remains one of the best ways to discover new opportunities and stay informed.
Let’s Talk Compensation
While salaries vary widely by region and role, today’s compensation conversations extend far beyond base pay. Bonuses tied to performance, transparent compensation models, and perks like RRSP matching and remote work are driving both recruitment and retention.
Pro Tip: Employers: move away from discretionary bonuses—clear, performance-based incentives work best. Candidates: evaluate the whole package, not just the salary.
Why People Stay — or Leave
Culture, recognition, and meaningful work often outweigh salary when it comes to retention. Professionals are seeking clear direction, growth opportunities, and leadership that understands both the legal and technological sides of eDiscovery.
Pro Tip: Build strong leadership teams that understand both litigation and legal tech. Support career growth through professional development, conference access, and clear advancement paths.
The Future: Skills That Matter
Certifications like CEDS and tools like Relativity and Reveal remain important, but the real differentiators are AI fluency, process literacy, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences. Staying current—especially with emerging GenAI tools—is becoming essential.
Pro Tips:
For candidates: Be the person who can simplify the complex. Clear communication makes your technical skills more valuable.
For employers: Prioritize candidates with initiative, communication skills, and a willingness to innovate. These traits are essential for leading teams and driving change.
Lightning Round Wisdom: 5 Tips for Candidates
Here’s what our panelists recommend for those navigating the road ahead:
- Andrea: Get clear on what you love doing, then explore roles—even unexpected ones—that align with your strengths.
- Lisa: Prioritize developing skills in AI and machine learning—they’re essential for managing modern data challenges.
- Monique: Embrace a growth mindset. Building AI literacy will help you stand out in a competitive field.
- Chris: Don’t underestimate the value of legal process knowledge—it’s just as critical as technical expertise.
- Tracey: Learn to simplify complexity. If you can translate tech into actionable insights, you’re on the path to leadership.
The 2024 Canadian eDiscovery Salary Report reveals more than just numbers—it reflects a dynamic, evolving field where adaptability, clear communication, and human connection are just as vital as technical expertise. Let’s work together to shape a resilient, future-ready eDiscovery ecosystem in Canada.
Interested in exploring the full data?
The 2024 Canadian eDiscovery Salary Report is available exclusively to ACEDS members. If you’re not yet a member, now is a great time to join the ACEDS community and gain access to this valuable resource—along with tools, training, and connections that can support your career growth. Learn more about our chapters and membership options at https://aceds.org/join-a-chapter/.
Disclaimer:
The views and insights shared in this post are based on the panel discussion and reflect the personal opinions of the speakers. They do not necessarily represent the views of their respective organizations or of ACEDS.
