A Smarter Model for Managing Outside Counsel

Ready to set a new standard in your law firm relationships? In this presentation, we’ll discuss a few of the foundational elements every in-house legal team will need if they want to develop partnerships that are transparent, efficient, and effective by design.

Speakers

Sinead Kenny
Manager
Customer Insights at Brightflag

Jonathan Kotler
Vice President & Deputy General Counsel
Empire State Realty Trust

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Main Points

The webinar involves discussions with professionals experienced in legal team management and outside counsel collaboration. The speakers are from Bright Flag and Empire State Realty Trust. The main topics covered include:

1. Organizing the Legal Team: The first part focuses on getting the legal team's house in order. This involves understanding the current state of the team, its processes, and areas for improvement.
2. Refining Processes: The second part discusses refining processes to establish efficient and effective relationships with outside counsel. This includes prioritizing tasks, understanding workload, and implementing technology to improve processes.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: The speakers emphasize the importance of collecting and analyzing data to understand what the legal team does well and where it can improve. This data-driven approach aids in making informed decisions about workload management and outside counsel engagement.
4. Customizing Approach Based on Data: It's highlighted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each legal team needs to tailor its approach based on its unique requirements and the insights gained from data analysis.
5. Understanding and Communicating with Outside Counsel: Effective communication with outside counsel is crucial. This involves understanding their capabilities and aligning expectations. The discussion also touches on the importance of budgeting and handling unexpected costs in legal projects.
6. Evaluating Outside Counsel Performance: The video addresses the challenge of evaluating outside counsel performance objectively, using data to make informed decisions rather than relying on biases or personal connections.
7. The Role of Technology: Technology, particularly legal technology, is discussed as a key tool in managing outside counsel. This includes its use in streamlining processes, improving communication, and enhancing data analysis for better decision-making.
8. Importance of Partnerships and Relationships: The speakers highlight the significance of viewing outside counsel as partners rather than just service providers. Maintaining good relationships is essential for effective legal management.
9. Future Outlook and Challenges: The discussion concludes with insights into future trends and challenges in managing outside counsel, emphasizing the ongoing importance of technology, data analysis, and strong partnerships.

Overall, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of modern strategies for managing outside counsel, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making, process refinement, effective communication, and the judicious use of technology.