Litigation as Business: Current Trends in the Management of the Law Department's Case Load

Corporate law departments are maximizing the quality and efficiency of their representation by implementing programs that impact all litigation matters. Seeking a uniform approach to case management, law departments are taking a wide range of steps, including: (1) formalizing outside counsel selection for litigation matters by establishing preferred or panel firm lists, (2) drafting binding outside counsel guidelines, (3) establishing early case assessment protocols, (4) expanding the role of law department attorneys in individual cases, and (5) implementing electronic billing systems. This session shared experiences and opinions regarding effective management techniques for litigation across a wide spectrum of cases.

Presenters included: John R. Landis, Foley & Lardner LLP; Barry Powell, Starcom Media Vest Group, Inc.; Michael Pysno, RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc.; and Douglas Stevens, Aon Corporation.