Use retired lawyers from the department for part-time work

InsideCounsel, Sept. 2007 at 56, recognizes IBM as one of its innovative counsel. IBM earned those accolades because it uses some 76 retired IBM attorneys for a wide range of patent-related matters. IBM had to solve some difficulties to create this extensive network. The law department needed to address issues associated with malpractice insurance, conflicts, bar credentials and attorney-client privilege. All were resolved.

The department also had to tie in those lawyers to the in-house attorneys and to the technology systems that both share.

Many law departments might find it advantageous to draw upon their retired lawyers (See my post of June 12, 2005 about how to prepare for the retirement of a veteran lawyer.).