While law firms may assume that alumni who transition to in-house roles will rely on their former firms for legal services, recent findings suggest otherwise. Above the Law surveyed more than 500 in-house attorneys to better understand their criteria for selecting outside counsel, revealing that prior affiliation with a firm ranks low on the list.
Respondents were asked to evaluate seven factors influencing their choice of law firms. Former affiliation was notably the least crucial, with 59% of surveyed attorneys identifying it as the least important factor. This revelation challenges the common perception that alumni networks significantly influence in-house counsel decisions.
However, the survey also highlighted that relationships with individual attorneys remain critical. Law firms should thus continue fostering personal connections and networking efforts, as these relationships are highly valued by in-house legal teams. The full results of the Outside Counsel Survey are expected this fall, promising more insights into the dynamics of legal service selection.
For detailed survey results and further information, visit Above the Law.