At Salient, we pride ourselves on the calibre and breadth of experience within our team. Our people aren’t just technically skilled – they’ve worked at the coalface of complex investigations across the globe.
One of our newer additions, Sias Spangenberg, exemplifies this blend of capability and real-world insight. We sat down with Sias to hear more about his journey into eDiscovery and what he brings to Salient’s clients.
From audit to forensics
Sias started his career in the UK’s National Health Service in 2006, working within an internal audit organisation. Originally armed with an accounting and auditing degree, he quickly found himself drawn into the world of forensic investigations – a move that would define the rest of his career.
“It was pretty much right place, right time,” he admits. “The organisation began exploring digital forensics, and I was lucky enough to get hands-on experience and training in that area. That exposure laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since.”
That journey took him from internal audit in the public sector to forensic technology roles at Ernst & Young in South Africa, and then on to the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, where he supported enforcement investigations involving digital forensics and eDiscovery.
International fieldwork and training
Over the years, Sias has handled collections in some of the most logistically complex and remote environments imaginable, from multinational investigations across multiple time zones, to fieldwork in parts of Africa few would consider typical business destinations.
“I spent years travelling across eastern and central Africa – places like Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria – collecting data in often challenging conditions. Not exactly your average day at the office, but incredibly rewarding. You meet people you’d never normally cross paths with and gain a real appreciation for the global nature of these investigations.”
This practical experience is complemented by strong academic and professional training. Sias holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and an MSc in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation from University College Dublin. He’s also completed a range of specialist digital forensics and eDiscovery courses in the UK and internationally.
“It’s a field that never stops moving,” he says. “Even with all the training, you’re constantly learning – the technology and the threats are always evolving.”
Why Sias chose Salient
What drew Sias to Salient was the opportunity to work across the full eDiscovery lifecycle – a level of involvement that’s often rare in larger organisations.
“At Salient, you’re part of the process from day one – from meeting clients and understanding their needs, through to collections, review and final reporting. It’s much more engaging and impactful than being limited to one part of the process.”
Sias brings not only technical expertise, but also a forensic mindset rooted in risk management, process integrity, and rigorous documentation.
“That audit background really shapes how I work. Everything has to be defensible, repeatable, and clearly documented. It’s not just about finding the right data; it’s about making sure the entire process stands up to scrutiny.”
Using technology to drive insight
Sias is also enthusiastic about the power of technology – especially the Reveal platform, which Salient uses to streamline and enhance eDiscovery.
“AI is changing the game. Reveal’s tools let us cut through huge volumes of data quickly and surface what really matters. It’s not just about speed; it’s about increasing the relevance of what we’re showing our clients. Features like conceptual search and communication mapping help us refine what we’re looking at and deliver real insight.”
These tools not only enhance efficiency but also give clients greater confidence in the process.
“It’s about helping them focus their efforts where it matters most and getting to the heart of the issue faster.”
The importance of “soft” skills
Beyond the data and tools, Sias emphasises the importance of people skills – particularly when working with clients who may not be familiar with the technical side of things.
“Half the challenge is translating what we do into something meaningful for clients. You have to be able to bridge that gap – to make people feel confident in the process, especially when the stakes are high.”
What’s next for eDiscovery
As eDiscovery continues to evolve, Sias sees the future shaped by both the explosion of data and the accelerating pace of technological change.
“The devices and types of data we’re dealing with now are completely different from a few years ago. The landscape evolved beyond desktops and documents – now it includes mobile devices, cloud platforms, collaboration tools and messaging apps. That diversity adds complexity, but also new opportunities.”
He notes that, while AI is already transforming the review process, it’s only just getting started.
“Tools like Reveal are getting smarter all the time. Features like concept search and intelligent summarisation are making it easier to pinpoint what matters, faster and more accurately. That’s critical when you’re supporting clients under time pressure or regulatory scrutiny.”
Despite the innovations, Sias stresses that some fundamentals will never change.
“Whatever tech you use, the core principles stay the same – defensibility, integrity, security. That’s what ensures our work holds up under scrutiny. And that’s why having the right expertise behind the tools is still essential.”
