In 2012, management unease and indecision fueled by uncertainty reached an all-time high in companies and law firms. In-house counsel worldwide worried about not meeting demand, while outside lawyers lamented over supply. General counsel say everyone wants a lawyer on hand these days, but with territories and complexity growing as budgets shrink, something’s got to give.

These “do’s” are for firms with international offices, and firms with hopes of serving domestic clients internationally and foreign clients at home.