Sequels are quite underrated, particularly the second one in the series. Think about it. We all remember the first iterations of blockbuster movies, as if they were the gold standards, while most sequels are forgettable. Still, sometimes, the sequel outdoes the original. Lists of good sequels abound, but any such list has to include “The… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: Law Firms
A [Value] Challenge for 2013: Throw Your Hat Over the Wall
Posted in Client-Firm Value, In-House PracticeWe have all seen the articles, attended the conferences or engaged in conversations that express dissatisfaction with law firm billing, the continued growth of legal costs generally, and the disconnect between cost and value received. I have heard these complaints since I first became involved with ACC over 21 years ago. Unfortunately, I think it… Continue Reading
Law Firm Access to ACC Value Index
Posted in ACC Value ChallengeThe ACC Value Index (AVI) is a tool meant to inform in-house counsel decisions as part of a larger process of selecting and retaining a law firm. The AVI is a searchable database for in-house counsel to share subjective evaluations of the firms they engage. It is key to note that this is a process… Continue Reading
Will Your Work Product Become Your Adversary’s Exhibit A?
Posted in In-House PracticeACC filed an amicus with the US Supreme Court on January 27, 2010 in the Textron case. This is the third brief we’ve filed in this matter as it’s cut a tortuous path through the appeals and circuit courts; the press release we issued recounts it all for those inclined to read it. The case… Continue Reading
APPARENTLY THERE ARE NO GREEN SHOOTS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S GARDEN
Posted in In-House PracticeWhat do retired in-house counsel do? Well one thing is that we read all those news notes on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen on the Bloomberg Channel. One that caught my eye this morning concerned the 2010 forecast for law firms. ACC Value Challenge or not, it appears that law firms are going… Continue Reading
Are Firms Tone Deaf? Why the Push for Rate Increases in 2010?
Posted in ACC Value ChallengeI understand that most firms employ the business model of selling rates and hours, and thus the only way to make more money for them is to raise rates or increase hours. Since many are still struggling to secure the hours (even though the billable "expectations" have not decreased), they’ll seek to raise rates for… Continue Reading
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP: I’LL KNOW IT WHEN I SEE IT
Posted in Annual Meeting 2009, In-House Practice, LeadershipLeadership, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Sure there are plenty of definitions and many a book has been written and speech given on the subject, but when you ask people, what leadership means to them, you’ll get an assortment of responses. A recent quick poll of lawyers and others in the… Continue Reading
ACC President Shares Some Thoughts on the ACC Value Index
Posted in ACC Value Challenge, In the House, In-House PracticeThe recent launch of the ACC Value Index at ACC’s 2009 Annual Meeting generated significant interest and commentary, including both praise and criticism. We welcome these comments because they not only further the attention and discussion about value in the delivery of legal services (a primary goal of the ACC Value Challenge), but they will also help… Continue Reading
Random Observations & Indelible Memories
Posted in Leadership, On the RoadEach year, as ACC’s Annual Meeting concludes, I’m always struck by the interesting and substantive new information I discover. Inevitably, people say things – or I observe or participate in events – that leave me with much to think about. This was my 18th annual meeting and it was no different. Throughout our time in Boston,… Continue Reading
ACC’s 2009 Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall – Tchotchkes Overshadowed by Interest in Value & Efficiency
Posted in ACC Value Challenge, On the RoadThe second day of a two and a half day conference can sometimes wane in attendance and engagement, but Day 2 at ACC’s 2009 Annual Meeting in Boston didn’t show any sign of diminishing interest. Attendees dispersed throughout the exhibit hall for their morning coffee and croissants, while chatting with the 100+ exhibitors and sponsors on… Continue Reading
ACC’S 2009 Annual Meeting Kicks Off in Boston
Posted in On the RoadIn-house counsel and legal industry professional from around the world came together at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center as ACC kicked off its Annual Meeting with a Welcome Reception and networking event in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday evening. Over 100 event sponsors and exhibitors were on hand from international law firms, top litigation support providers and… Continue Reading
Working Together to Make the ACC Value Challenge Work
Posted in ACC Value Challenge“Automating broken processes won’t make us smarter; it can make us stupider faster.” ~ Steven Levy Participating in a panel discussion at the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) conference last month was yet another opportunity for me to engage in a discussion about the ACC Value Challenge. But, instead of speaking to in-house counsel and… Continue Reading
The ACC Value Challenge —Technologists, Yes, this Means You, Too
Posted in ACC Value Challenge“Your problem is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach.” ~ Earl Nightingale Accountability, efficiency and value — three words that are reverberating throughout the legal services industry these days. In-house counsel are being held accountable by their companies to contain costs and predict… Continue Reading