General Counsel Forum:

In these times of economic turmoil and heightened corporate scrutiny, general counsel (GC) are under increasing pressure to cut legal fees and hire outside law firms with values consistent with their corporate initiatives.  In response, many corporate law departments have dramatically reduced the number of law firms they retain, partnering with the select few that meet their specific needs.  According to a recent survey, nearly 25% of corporate GCs surveyed have completed a convergence program and another 30% are either in the process of, or are planning to, reduce the number of outside law firms they use. 

The “old boy’s network” no longer dictates who gets selected.  In this climate, how does a law firm win and keep important corporate clients?  What are the key factors that influence the GCs in their selection process?  What intangible factors truly matter?  How do you turn a preferred provider relationship into a true partnership where both the corporate client and law firm can win?  Hear how GCs of Fortune 500 companies set priorities and make decisions using diverse perspectives.  Learn how you and your firm can stand out and join a client’s “magic circle” in this new era. 

Yuri Mikulka (Moderator), Co-Chair, ABA Section of Litigation Committee on Corporate Counsel; Partner, Howrey LLP,
Irvine CA

Kimberly Bowers, Senior Vice-President & General Counsel, Valero Energy Corporation, San Antonio, TX

Andrew L. Schaeffer, Managing Counsel – Operations and Partnering, DuPont Legal, Wilmington, DE

Kirk Wickman, General Counsel, Global Wealth Management Group of Morgan Stanley, Purchase, NY

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$80 ABA Members
$150 General Public

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