What do Corporate Counsel want from their Lawyers?

In conjunction with Mahlab Recruitment, my law firm, Harris Cost Lawyers, has recently conducted a survey of members of ACLA (Australian Corporate Lawyers Association) about their relationship with external law firms. In the next few posts, I will look at particular results, with some comment on comparable overseas findings. The full survey results are available at www.harcosts.com or www.mahlab.com.au.

Approximately 1800 corporate counsel members of ACLA asked to respond to the survey, which was made available by ACLA in March 2006. Responses were predominantly from New South Wales (37%) and Melbourne (36%) with the major industry areas represented being Banking and Finance and Energy and Resources.

Respondents were asked what the most pressing business issue was. Number one was reducing the external legal spend, but keeping apprised of other corporate activities that might have legal implications also rated highly. These reflect the combined pressures of financial constraints and increased regulation and compliance.