tip #7

know your client's_BUSINESS

"legal department operations"

How does your client's legal department run? Some operational factors to find out more about:

_Total size

_Geographic footprint

_Use of technology to increase efficiency

_Training programs for attorneys and other professionals

_Benchmarks (e.g.,process improvement,)

_Cost containment goals/initiatives (outside of outside law firm or analogous budget items)

_Organizational chart

_Key recent (6-month) or planned reorganizational changes