My Return to the White House for Kagan Announcement

I had the privilege to attend today’s White House announcement of the Supreme Court nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan.


Previously, I represented ACC at a White House briefing. The White House also solicited ACC’s input during the nomination process on characteristics we would like to see in a nominee.  Although ACC does not take positions on judicial nominations, these opportunities reflect the growth and increased recognition of the important role played by the association and the in-house legal community generally.

As a lawyer I find events like this morning’s announcement to be very moving given the setting and the importance of the Supreme Court in our daily lives.  President Obama inserted some humor in an otherwise solemn event when he noted that Dean Kagan, if confirmed, will bring a special diversity to the bench; ”she is a Mets’ fan” and Justice Sotomayer, an avid Yankees fan, “has ordered a pinstripe robe” for Dean Kagan.

In the News: ACC/Serengeti 2008 Managing Outside Counsel Survey

The following articles concerning the ACC/Serengeti 2008 Managing Outside Counsel Survey appeared in the press:

Reuters – October 29, 2008 (Also appeared in Economic Times, Financial Week, and The Guardian)
Crisis Means Big Fees for Some Lawyers

Fulton County Daily Report – October 27, 2008
Standardized Work, Cost Cutting Alter GC Relationship With Outside Counsel

Wired GC – October 24, 2008
Managing Outside Counsel Survey – Part II

In Search of Perfect Client Service – October 23, 2008
More On Law Firms Raising Their Rates In Bad Economy

Law Marketing Portal – October 23, 2008
ACC/Serengeti Survey: The Economic Picture for Law Firms Gets Worse

National Post – October 22, 2008
In-House Lawyers Fret About Illegal Activities of Outside Counsel, Survey Finds

Inhouse Insider - October 21, 2008
Corporations Spend More on In-House Lawyers, Less on Outside Firms

Law360 – October 21, 2008  (subscription required)
In-House Counsel Tightens Grip On Law Firms: Study

Legal Post – October 21, 2008
Corporations Slash Legal Fees to Record Lows

Yahoo! Canada – October 21, 2008
Study: Corporations Slash Spending on Outside Counsel
Redistributed in Canada

The American Lawyer/AM Law Daily - October 20, 2008
Study: Corporate Spending on Law Firms Dropping