The last few years have been difficult for corporate America and its lawyers. Executives are insisting that business divisions pare expenses, stretch their budgets, and manage more efficiently. Law departments aren’t exempt. The days of general counsel reflexively lobbing work to their old firms, with little thought about cost, are just about over. CEOs don’t want flab—they’re looking for six-pack abs.
Trouble is, lawyers usually aren’t great administrators. They didn’t go to law school to become managers, and it’s not a skill law schools teach. So law departments often need help meeting these mandates.
