At Salient, we know the best eDiscovery professionals bring a mix of technical know-how and investigative instinct. Riaan van den Berg exemplifies this combination, with a background in forensic accounting and hands-on IT skills that uniquely position him to support our clients.
Riaan first joined Salient earlier in his career, before stepping away to explore other opportunities. His recent return marks a full-circle moment, bringing with it fresh insight, renewed energy, and a deep appreciation for the collaborative culture that drew him back.
We spoke to Riaan about his journey into the world of eDiscovery, and why problem-solving under pressure is where he thrives.
From forensic ambition to digital forensics
Riaan’s professional path began with a curiosity for accounting, but it wasn’t long before he realised traditional chartered accountancy wasn’t the right fit.
“I was drawn to forensic accounting because of its investigative nature,” Riaan explains. “I liked that it was more than just numbers – it was about asking questions, digging deeper, and understanding the story behind the data.”
After completing his studies in forensic accounting, Riaan’s professional plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With job opportunities in short supply, he was forced to pivot. Drawing on his long-standing interest in IT – he used to build and repair computers in his spare time – Riaan found himself headed in a new, and surprisingly fascinating, direction: digital forensics and eDiscovery.
Merging forensic thinking with tech skills
That unexpected career shift turned out to be an asset. Today, what sets Riaan apart is his ability to operate fluently across investigative and technical domains.
“Coming from forensic accounting, I understand how investigators think – what they’re looking for, and how to frame questions,” he says. “At the same time, I can engage with the technical aspects of digital investigations. That combination helps me translate between those two worlds.”
This dual expertise also enhances his problem-solving approach. Whether recovering critical evidence or navigating large datasets, Riaan is able to step back, assess the issue from multiple perspectives, and deliver practical solutions.
Stepping into the user’s shoes
Before rejoining Salient, Riaan spent time at a Big Four firm in Amsterdam, where he gained valuable insight – although not in the way he expected.
“I thought I’d be doing exclusively technical work,” he recalls, “but I was also exposed to use of the eDiscovery tool as an end-user. That experience gave me a new appreciation for the user journey – the frustrations, the limitations, and what clients really need from an eDiscovery services provider.”
One key takeaway? The importance of strong processes.
“At this Big Four firm, there were established processes, and I saw first-hand how important consistent application of these was to their success. It really reinforced for me the value of Salient’s similarly structured approach, whilst remaining agile and adaptable to our clients’ specific circumstances with our hands-on mentality.”
Solving high-stakes problems under pressure
His experience as a user also deepened Riaan’s appreciation for what’s at stake in digital investigations, and how much pressure clients can be under when the clock is ticking.
Fortunately, Riaan thrives in the face of complex challenges and tight deadlines – especially when the outcome is critical to clients.
“I like working under pressure. It sharpens your focus,” he says. “And there’s a real sense of accomplishment when you know you’ve helped uncover something vital – something that could make or break a case.”
From recovering deleted data to identifying key communications, Riaan finds purpose in providing clarity and impact where it counts most.
Why Riaan returned to Salient
For Riaan, returning to Salient wasn’t just about picking up where he left off – it was about rejoining a team that shares his values and approach to problem-solving.
“It’s a culture of collaboration and curiosity,” he says. “You’re encouraged to grow, to share knowledge, and to solve problems together. It’s a place where you can do your best work.”
With his unique blend of forensic thinking and technical know-how, Riaan is right at home tackling the kind of complex, high stakes work that defines Salient’s approach to eDiscovery. We couldn’t be happier to have him back where he belongs, as an integral part of our team.
