Consumer Power

Let’s face it, outside law firms don’t always deliver the goods.
It often boils down this: Too much money for too little service.
This isn’t exactly a news flash. But in-house counsel – as purchasers of legal services – should have the leverage to demand better quality legal work at a fair price.
Of course, many outside lawyers do in fact provide outstanding service for fees that fit a company’s legal budget. But unfortunately some don’t.
While the market should eventually shake out the underperformers, in the meantime in-house counsel are sometimes left in the middle having to face questions and dissatisfaction from management.
To avoid such problems, some in-house counsel are taking proactive steps – as are law firms – to ensure efficient, excellent legal services for their companies.
One notable development: Surveys gauging the quality of legal work provided by outside counsel. One way is for in-house lawyers to meet with their outside counsel to assess the work done. Or outside counsel ask clients to survey their performance at the end of a project.
It’s all about fostering communication and working together to correct any problems that may exist.
In our lead story on page one, we take a look at this trend and other related tools for fostering good relations with outside counsel.
Also in this issue is a special section featuring our 15 In-House Leaders in the Law. This is a compelling group of in-house lawyers who day in and day out exhibit leadership and excellence on the job. You’ll find the features starting on page 11.
We’re also very excited to announce our new Board of Editors. On page 20, we take a look at the board members who have graciously offered their time to help New England In-House deliver the most useful, engaging information for corporate counsel in our region.
As always, feel free to give me a shout at 617.218.8141 or [email protected] to discuss what’s on your mind. Nothing is more useful than reader feedback.

Paul D. Boynton
Publisher