In-House Counsel

Redefining Legal Value: Navigating the Shift from Billable Hours to Strategic Partnerships in a Global Digital Era

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the evolving landscape of legal services, traditional metrics such as billable hours for law firms and strong business alliances for in-house counsel are becoming insufficient yardsticks. As technology reshapes workflows, globalization adds layers of complexity, and clients increasingly prioritize clarity alongside expertise, these conventional indicators no longer encapsulate the comprehensive value modern organizations seek…

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Enhancing Legal Firm Growth Through Strategic Synergy Between Business Development and Marketing

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The intersection between business development and marketing has become crucial for legal professionals aiming to enhance client engagement and drive growth. Collaboration between these two functions not only streamlines processes but also amplifies the reach and impact of initiatives. Recent insights highlight that such teamwork can significantly bolster a law firm’s brand presence, making it…

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Exploring New Horizons: Legal Professionals Forge Paths Beyond Traditional Partnership

Pieter Gunst04 mins

For many attorneys, the aspiration to become a partner in a law firm represents the pinnacle of their career trajectory. However, not everyone follows the traditional path, and being told that one is “off partner path” doesn’t necessarily spell the end of professional growth or success. This realization is exemplified by several legal professionals who,…

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Securities Settlements Reach Historic Highs in 2025 Amid Reduced Dealmaking Activity

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the realm of securities settlements, characterized by unprecedented median settlement amounts, even as the overall pace of dealmaking witnessed a decline. A comprehensive analysis by Cornerstone Research highlights this notable trend, presenting a complex picture of the securities litigation landscape. Despite the overall reduction in the number…

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Balancing Satisfaction and Burnout: Insights into the In-House Legal Profession’s Complex Landscape

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In-house attorneys occupy a unique position within the legal profession, balancing the demands of corporate objectives with legal compliance. Recent surveys reveal a complex picture of their job satisfaction, highlighting both positive aspects and significant challenges. According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, 85% of in-house lawyers report satisfaction with their roles, a notably higher percentage…

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Engage and Educate: Law360 Pulse’s Weekly Quiz Enhances Legal Acumen and Industry Knowledge

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Each week, Law360 Pulse engages legal professionals with a feature that delves into the intricacies of their field through a format that blends information and entertainment. The “Voir Dire: Law360 Pulse’s Weekly Quiz” provides a unique opportunity for legal minds to test their knowledge across various topics. This interactive approach has gained the attention of…

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Restaurant Group Lawsuit Highlights Embezzlement and Confidentiality Breach by Former General Counsel

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal intricacies of embezzlement and corporate confidentiality are in sharp focus with a recent lawsuit filed by a restaurant group against its former General Counsel. The company alleges that the ex-GC engaged in embezzlement and unauthorized sharing of confidential information, actions that have raised significant concerns in the business and legal communities. The lawsuit…

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Colorado Court’s Decision on Legal Fee Dispute Could Reshape Corporate Billing Practices

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A former in-house attorney is appealing to a Colorado court with a strong assertion that his lawsuit over legal fees is not frivolous. The case, which has caught the attention of legal professionals nationwide, challenges the methodologies used in fee arrangements and cost distributions that often go overlooked in corporate settings. The detailed discourse around…

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Colorado Court of Appeals Urged to Revisit Sanctions Imposed on Former In-House Attorney in Malpractice Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A former in-house attorney recently implored a Colorado Court of Appeals to reconsider a lower court’s ruling that labeled his appeal for reversing an order to pay attorney fees as “frivolous.” This request originates from sanctions imposed on the attorney and his legal counsel in a preceding malpractice lawsuit. The unfolding legal challenge sheds light…

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Arbitration Emerges as Preferred Dispute Resolution for Global Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Arbitration has emerged as the preferred mechanism for resolving disputes within the global cryptocurrency exchange sector. This trend, highlighted in a recent report by Reed Smith, underscores the increasing preference among in-house counsel for mechanisms that provide confidentiality, neutrality, and enforceability across borders, attributes that traditional litigation often lacks. Cryptocurrency exchanges, operating in a complex…

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U.S. Supreme Court’s Review of Hikma v. Amarin: A Pivotal Moment for Patent Law and Generic Drug Market

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to review Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. v. Amarin Pharma Inc. heralds significant consequences for patent law and beyond. At its core, the case delves into the intersection of patent law, FDA regulations, and the competitive landscape of generic pharmaceuticals. Originating from a 2024 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals…

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Anthropic’s Legal Plugin Launch Disrupts Market, Challenges Incumbents in Legal Tech Industry

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Anthropic has thrust itself into the legal tech landscape with the release of a legal plugin for its platform, Claude Cowork. The move has disrupted the market, reflecting broader competitive implications for legal technology incumbents. What was initially perceived as another incremental AI capability has evolved into a symbol of potential upheaval, as evidenced by…

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Major Corporations Enhance In-House Legal Teams to Tackle Evolving Regulatory Challenges

Pieter Gunst03 mins

This January marked significant transitions within the in-house legal landscape, with notable hires across major corporations, signaling strategic shifts and strengthening legal teams in their respective industries. Among these, Sirius XM made headlines by appointing a highly experienced legal professional to their senior ranks, a move that underscores the company’s focus on robust regulatory and…

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Evolving Role of In-House Counsel: Strategic Integration in a Digital Age

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In an increasingly global and digital landscape, the expectations for legal professionals, especially in-house counsel, are undergoing a notable transformation. The traditional metrics of success based solely on billable hours and being mere business partners are expanding. Legal departments are now expected to contribute strategically, integrating more deeply with the business through technology, data, and…

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Innovative Gamification: Law360 Pulse Introduces Interactive Voir Dire Quiz for Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Voir dire, a critical phase in jury selection, serves a dual purpose of ensuring fairness and impartiality in trials. Recently, Law360 Pulse introduced a unique approach to this traditional courtroom process through a weekly quiz that tests legal professionals on their knowledge of the voir dire process. This interactive feature offers lawyers and in-house counsel…

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McDermott Will & Emery Strengthens Cryptocurrency Law Team with Key Industry Hire Amid Regulatory Shifts

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant development for the legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency, McDermott Will & Emery has announced the addition of Steve Knipfelberg, former counsel for OKX Americas, as a partner. This move comes at a pivotal time as regulations governing digital assets continue to evolve. Firms are increasingly in need of legal professionals who bring a…

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Corporate Legal Departments Restructure for Efficiency Amid Rising External Costs

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a shifting legal landscape, in-house counsel are facing mounting pressure to enhance operational efficiency despite increasing budgets. A report from Axiom highlights that many corporate legal departments are contemplating significant restructuring of their engagements with traditional law firms, driven by a need to deliver more value internally. This trend sees these departments opting to…

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Legal & General Promotes Rachel Small to Lead Legal Role Amid Global Expansion Strategy

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Legal & General Group PLC, a major British financial services company, has announced the appointment of its Deputy General Counsel, Rachel Small, to the lead legal role within the organization. This internal promotion is part of a strategic decision to leverage existing talent to drive the company’s legal strategies forward. Small’s expertise and familiarity with…

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Navigating Tariff Uncertainty: How In-House Lawyers Are Preparing Amid Legal Challenges

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In-house lawyers are grappling with the complex landscape of tariff uncertainty as pivotal legal battles unfold. A critical case, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, examines whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes the President to impose tariffs. This decision will have far-reaching implications for importers who have paid over $200 billion in tariffs…

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Navigating Attorney-Client Privilege in Dual-Purpose Communications: Challenges and Strategies for Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst04 mins

As legal professionals grapple with the complexities of privilege law, the question of how attorney-client privilege extends to dual-purpose communications—those that include both legal and business advice—continues to create challenges. This puzzle remains particularly acute nearly three years after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to resolve the circuit split in the case of In…

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Corporations Navigate Attorney-Client Privilege Ambiguities Amidst Federal Circuit Legal Inconsistencies

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Nearly three years have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court declined to resolve a circuit split concerning the attorney-client privilege in In re: Grand Jury. This decision has left corporations and law firms navigating a complex legal environment where the protection of dual-purpose communications remains unclear across federal courts. Such communications, which serve both legal…

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“Engaging Legal Minds: Law360 Pulse’s ‘Voir Dire’ Quiz Enhances Knowledge and Comprehension”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the complex and intricate world of law, staying informed and intellectually engaged is critical for legal professionals. With this in mind, Law360 Pulse introduces “Voir Dire,” a weekly quiz that aims to test and expand the knowledge of legal minds on various pertinent topics. This engaging feature not only serves as an educational tool…

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OpenAI Appoints Brett O’Leary as Lead Counsel Amid Increasing Legal Scrutiny in AI Sector

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Brett O’Leary, a seasoned attorney from Jenner & Block and former aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has taken a significant step by joining OpenAI as its new lead counsel. This move demonstrates the increasing intersection between technology firms and experienced legal professionals, especially when navigating complex regulatory environments. OpenAI, known for its groundbreaking work…

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