Relations between in-house counsel and outside litigation counsel come in all varieties. Birds of a feather. Oil and water. Everybody obviously wants to avoid the latter. And in today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever to maximize utility of outside counsel. Clients continue to pare their outside counsel lists and are focused on value and efficiency. Outside counsel relationships that are not running smoothly may be the first to go.
There are legions of articles about how outside counsel can improve client relations and what they need to do to avoid losing clients. Likewise, scores of consultants speak to in-house counsel about cost management strategies for outside counsel fees. Beyond budgets, new software tracking systems and fixed fee arrangements, what role can in-house counsel play in maximizing the relationship with outside counsel? Here, from the perspective of both outside and in-house litigation counsel, are some suggestions for clearing the way to an effective, productive and enjoyable relationship.
Clear Goals
