Competitive intelligence (CI) is a systematic method of collecting and analyzing information on individuals, business entities and competitors. Evidence shows that law firms are taking CI seriously. In March, the American Bar Association featured an article in its Law Practice magazine titled, “How to Create and Use Competitive Intelligence: 45 Tips for Law Firms.” Associate résumés are disappearing from Web sites, reportedly to reduce the threat of other firms using CI to “steal” young talent. More law firms are hiring professionals trained in the gathering and use of CI, and at least one vendor offers a software program that compiles legal, financial and business content combined with tools to create informative and tactical reports.
Much has been written in the business world about the ethical obligations in the gathering and use of CI. But what about the legal world? To what ethical principles should lawyers adhere?
