I FOUND THE RIGHT LAWYER, I THINK

The Los Angeles Business Journal recently published the LIST of the 50 largest Los Angeles law firms ranked by number of attorneys in LA County offices. There are many fine lawyers in these firms [O'Melveny, Latham, Gibson Dunn, Paul Hastings, Irell, Sheppard Mullin, Manatt etc.]. Some of the countries top lawyers are in these firms and some of the top prices come with those lawyers. You are certainly lucky if you found the right lawyer whether that lawyer is in one of these firms or not. You are even luckier that your lawyer has partners and associates that are the best at whatever your problems may be. Corporate counsel to the Fortune 1000 use many firms, sometimes hundreds, but more commonly dozens. They don't allow themselves to fall into the trap of what the firms call "cross-marketing." General Counsel understand that legal services are not a commodity that all firms do the same, just as well, or for the same price. They pick their attorneys carefully from a long list of qualified attorneys. They look for quality, price effectiveness and results. They stay involved in the process to the end to be certain that their lawyers are meeting their expectations.

BLG was established to provide this same valued service to the mid-market company. Clients are entitled to the best value their money can buy. Law firms are in the business of selling their inventory, their budgeted billable hours. Legal services consumers need to know that they are buying value, not just billable hours. This is why developing a strategy and budget is so important in reaching one's anticipated result. Without a proper strategy and budget, a matter can wander aimlessly with revolving partners and associates being assigned to the matter.

In-house counsel protect the client in the harsh legal environment. Companies that don't need a full-time in-house counsel still need the benefits provided by such a role. BLG is here to meet that need.

Main Page	General Counsel Role	What is Legal Affairs Management?
Arthur Anderson Enters the BLG Market	Who's In Charge?	The Selling of Billable Hours