Does Your In-House/Outside Counsel Relationship Need Counseling?

Attorneys who take their client relationship for granted do so at their own peril, and that of their client, too, for that matter. If you are among those who have been neglecting your relationship, it’s time to turn things around. Here are a few expert insights to help you make a fresh start.

How to Foster the Long-Lasting Relationship

As with any other relationship, you need a foundation of trust. You know this doesn’t come immediately or without some level of effort. It takes time. But it starts with exhibiting and maintaining an attitude of fair and equal treatment. You are collaborators on a project, and you need to trust one another to share information, be forthright, and to uphold your end of the bargain. When there is suddenly a new development on a case, a change in strategy, a suggested fee arrangement or a billing dispute, you can rely on that trust foundation to allow a civil, productive conversation that doesn’t damage the relationship.

Extend that trust beyond a few in-house and outside attorneys at the firm. Associates, staff and paralegals are often the people interacting. They need to work on the same touch-points to be part of the trust network.

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