The organization and operation of a corporate law department should reflect the company’s view of the value of legal service. Those activities for which the organization’s in-house attorneys are best suited (i.e., those activities reflect the attorneys’ strategic strengths) should receive appropriate emphasis in that structure and those activities best undertaken by external service providers should appear within the responsibilities of those external providers.
Ideally, such an organizational plan will reflect a methodically prepared strategic plan for the law department. Such a plan will identify the department’s goals and its plans for achieving those goals, including identifying the respective responsibilities of all participants in delivering the necessary service – in-house attorneys, outside attorneys, other external service providers, legal assistants and other individuals.
