Survey Predicts Big Revenue Spike for Litigation Support

Article by Monica Bay

http://www.law.com/jsp/lawtechnologynews/PubArticleLTN.jsp?id=1202540350857


The Cowen Group released the 6th anuual survey on Jan. 18, 2012, The survey results were conducted in 2011, with 22 firms participating. The most dramatic finding: Revenue from litigation support services, estimated at $275 million for 2011, is expected to spike this year to $535 million -- a spike of 105 percent. During 2011, law firms employed about 2,600 litigation support and EDD professionals, spending $200 million on salaries, and generating $275 million in hourly revenue, the survey reports. Cowen predicts that 57 percent of firms will add staff this year, to the tune of 375 positions -- a market growth rate of 13.7 percent.

The predicted breakdown of percentage of firms adding positions in 2012:

• 44 percent analysts (100 positions), 2011 headcount 1,200.
• 38 percent specialists (85 positions), 2011 headcount 800.
• 29 percent project managers (65 positions), 2011 headcount 400.
• 22 percent regional managers (15 positions), 2011 headcount 220.
• 7 percent firmwide managers (5-7 positions), 2011 headcount 100.
• 8 percent firmwide directors (5-7 positions), 2011 headcount 80.