2023 LOD/Syke + Consilio Global Survey Report

This annual report provides a global snapshot of the state of in-house legal teams. This year, it reveals an intensifying battle for in-house counsel to balance proactivity and strategic work with constant firefighting. Toughening economic conditions, shrinking budgets, and regulatory pain are reducing some in-house legal teams to the role of first responders.

Now in its fourth year of publication, our report gives insight into how legal teams are managing with comparisons between geographies and previous years. We surveyed more people and asked more questions than ever before, looking to understand the on-the-ground reality facing law departments.

While the data paints a familiar background, 2023 brings fresh elements and shifting priorities to present a contemporary picture of in-house life. Despite the pressurised and reactionary environments facing many in-house teams, we’ve also seen a growth in data fluency and boosted strategy around legal tech. Operational efficiency and workstream outsourcing has risen on the GC’s agenda, and while the impact of generative AI is yet to crystallise, it has everyone’s attention.