After no change in total legal spending year over year between 2016 and 2017, law departments' total legal spending was up five percent last year, according to a new survey.

HBR Consulting's 2018 Law Department Survey, released today, indicates that the uptick in total legal spending correlates with increased legal needs.

The survey from the consultancy for legal organizations and corporations is in its 15th year and includes data from more than 250 participants. Respondents from the survey reported a median revenue of $9.5 billion for their companies, and the median total legal spend was $30.6 million.