The reasons why smaller law firms offer significant advantages to companies are well known—this is especially true for businesses that are midsized or emerging. But the following is a primer for in-house counsel when their businesses are facing litigation and need help from outside counsel.

With a smaller law firm, experienced lawyers are the norm, rather than the associates who typically handle the day-to-day business for large law firms. The attention given to the client is second to none. As a result, relationships between the law firm and general in-house counsel tend to be closer. Then, of course, there is the matter of fees, which tend to be much more reasonable.