In the complex matrix of legal advisory, the dynamic between general counsel (GCs) and outside counsel can sometimes lead to frustration. In a recent discussion during the Women Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) panel titled “The Secret Sauce: Mastering the Recipe for In-House and Outside Counsel Collaboration,” several experienced in-house counsel shared insights into practices they find unacceptable from their external law firm partners. An example highlighted by Michele Kloeppel, a partner at Thompson Coburn and a former corporate counsel at Panera, illustrates common grievances where legal advisors deflect responsibility by categorizing decisions as mere “business issues.”
This anecdote underscores a broader theme involving the differentiation between legal and business advice, a persistent challenge for in-house and outside counsel collaborations. For more on this topic, the article is available on Law.com. This highlights the importance of clear communication and the need for external advisors to fully engage with the intricate needs of corporate legal departments.