The Evolving Role of the Law Department in the Modern Corporation and Legal Industry

2 Credit Hours

Large in-house legal departments are now a significant part of the overall legal industry. The rise of in-house legal departments fundamentally changes the way traditional law firms serve their clients; yet few lawyers in law firms understand the daily challenges and responsibilities of in-house lawyers. The course will provide students with insights into the role and responsibilities of General Counsel and in-house departments. Topics covered will include management of the corporate law department by the General Counsel; approaches utilized by in-house counsel to manage law firms; the relationship between in-house counsel, senior business executives and the board of directors; the role of compliance; and management of functional areas within a law department. The class will include guest speakers from leading corporate law departments and law firms.