This unique, interactive discussion group will provide the medium for exclusive, intimate networking and benchmarking opportunities that will shed light on the expectations of in-house counsel from their law firm partners. Esteemed members of ACI’s Hatch-Waxman Series Advisory Board will lead this workshop contemplating “The Three C’s: Cost, Communication and Competency”:

Cost: Monitoring Legal Spend and Balancing the Budget

• Establishing best practices for cost reduction to enhance predictability for cash flow purposes
• Identifying processes to assist with budgeting, fee arrangements and billing
• Examining the value of licensing deals and structures

Competency: Overcoming Talent Limitations with Time-Proven Tips

• Considerations in selecting outside counsel
• Evaluating the appropriateness of work product
• Reconciling firm versus individual reputation and ability

Communication: Communicating Value and Collaboration Between Corporate Legal and Outside Counsel

• Establishing early-on in the relationship the desired level of commitment, availability and responsiveness
• Succinctly focusing on shared, pragmatic business goals
• Determining preferences for formality of correspondence and practical versus academic guidance