Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Solo Practice Blogs -> The Greatest American Lawyer

OR PHONE (866) 635-1838 for Bankruptcy Help, (866) 635-6190 for Divorce,
(866) 635-2689 for Personal Injury or (866) 635-9402 for Criminal Defense

Find a Local Lawyer

Bankruptcy (866) 635-1838
Divorce (866) 635-6190
Personal Injury (866) 635-2689
Criminal Defense (866) 635-9402

Solo Practice

: The Greatest American Lawyer

How to Work With In-house Counsel: An INTA Survey

By The Greatest American Lawyer

ADVERTISEMENTS

Our firm?s attorneys are members of the International Trademark Association (INTA), representing the largest companies and law firms in the world on trademark issues. The INTA recently did a survey of large corporations of in-house attorneys at large corporations asking a variety of questions. While the article concerning the findings is extremely interesting, here are the summary bullet points which can guide attorneys looking to improve their relationship with in-house counsel, irrespective of practice area. Let me know if there are other items that should go on the list. Here are my favorites below:

Use of Outside Professionals

Mostly used for prosecution outside company?s jurisdiction and for inter partes proceedings and litigation

Considerations in Selecting Outside Counsel

Experience and pragmatism
Quality first, but cost an important second factor
Timely (within 24 hours), succinct, clear and creative responses
Effective use of technologies
In-depth understanding of company?s business and goals
Development of strong relationship

Marketing to In-House Counsel

Unsolicited approaches, brochures and marketing materials not effective, and may in fact have the opposite effect of what was intended
INTA is a helpful resource
Be prepared by becoming aware of company?s business and goals
Provide tangible suggestions

Firm Versus Individual Reputation and Ability

Reputation and competence of professionals involved are of paramount importance
Reputation of firm is a secondary consideration

Performing the Work

Senior, experienced counsel should oversee and supervise work
More routine work should be handled by qualified and supervised but less expensive personnel

Billing Preferences

While flat-fee billing has its appeal, hourly rates for litigation are more common
Simple exchanges and some routine administrative services are expected to be provided without charge
Occasional visits and internal training sessions without charge are appreciated

Availability

In the case of urgent matters, outside counsel is expected to be available as needed

Responsiveness

Initial response expected within 24 hours
Response time also depends on circumstances

Communicating with In-House Counsel

Expectation of analysis of office actions should be confirmed with in-house counsel
Practical advice preferred over academic advice
Be succinct and clear but do provide some context
Informal is preferred to formal
Formal opinions should be provided only when requested by in-house counsel
Where deadlines are involved, reminder and follow-up letters are welcomed

What Annoys In-House Counsel