The high stakes and demands of the corporate legal world have often resulted in a perpetuating cycle of artificial emergencies – often caused by unrealistic client expectations and pervasive modern connectivity. Both General Counsels (GCs) and outside counsel carry the responsibility of combating this unhealthy norm, transforming the dynamics of communication and demands within the industry.
Being on call is an accepted part of a lawyer’s career; however, with increasing billable rates and continuous technological advancements, this expectation is often heightened to near-immediate responsiveness irrespective of the time or day. This engagement pattern has not only put undue pressure on legal professionals but also resulted in a considerable degree of inefficiency within the industry.
Addressing this issue requires a strong collaboration between GCs and outside counsels. While it is crucial for outside counsels to manage boundaries and establish clear communication protocols, GCs hold a significant role in setting the tone for their legal departments and curbing unrealistic demands.
For more details on this issue, follow through to this recent report.