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Feature TYLA Project

From the Inside Out: In-House Counsel’s Advice for Young Lawyers
By: Morgan L. Gaskin

As one of the 2012-2013 TYLA Board projects, representatives from the Texas Young Lawyers Association partnered with members of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division to develop From the Inside Out: In-House Counsel’s Advice for Young Lawyers. The Guide is the result of an online survey created by both state bodies which was completed by in-house counsel across various industries. In approaching the project, TYLA and the Florida Bar YLD identified an opportunity to provide invaluable insight into the expectations in-house counsel have when working with outside counsel. TYLA and the Florida Bar YLD developed the survey questions with a keen eye toward highlighting parts of the in-house practice that may not be readily apparent to outside counsel.

Over 150 surveys were returned in both Texas and Florida. Participants were asked a variety of questions pertaining to work with outside counsel. While the survey questions touched upon the financial aspects of hiring counsel, the questions also targeted other ways outside counsel’s value is measured. The topics covered included matters such as whether there is a preference in hiring young lawyers versus more seasoned attorneys, to the in-house counsel’s involvement in matters handled by outside lawyers. In addition, the survey focused on how and by whom outside counsel are selected and evaluated. In-house counsel were also asked whether there is value in law firms sending materials on emerging legal trends to in-house counsel, and whether there is consideration given to a law firm’s community involvement and the diversity of law firm employees when selecting and retaining law firms for repeat business.

The results received did more than shed light on the trends amongst in-house legal departments. The responses also provided very specific insights into the characteristics and qualities that in-house counsel find most appealing in outside counsel. In response to a question about the preference for working with young lawyers, participants listed “enthusiasm,” “fresh perspective,” and “cost savings” as key advantages. One survey response noted the importance of taking charge of matters once a client feels comfortable enough to reach out to the young lawyer, as opposed to the partner, for advice. Additional advice to young lawyers was to “become a business partner,” “be responsive,” and “show your worth by coming up with value based billing solutions that align your interests and the clients.”

The survey results have been analyzed by TYLA and Florida Bar YLD representatives and will be used to develop an online desktop reference guide for more than 50,000 young lawyers in both states. The expectation is that the Guide will be used by young lawyers to assist them in developing an approach to providing excellent service to clients in all industries.