Until recently, there have only been two routes open to commercial organisations for the purchase of legal advice. The first is the use of traditional law firms, the second being to employ an in-house lawyer in the company.
This latter route is really only open to the largest of companies due to the significant costs, both financial and management, of employing such a highly-qualified individual. These costs can total more than £130,000 per annum*, depending on the location of the client and the seniority of the lawyer. (* Source: Michael Page Legal Salary Survey 2005)
Traditional law firms, on the other hand, should provide the solution for the rest of the marketplace. However, whilst they may perceive themselves to be ‘client-focused’, hourly billing rates, budgets, ‘up-lifts’ and disbursement recovery are key internal factors for the law firms themselves, but offer little in terms of adding value for clients.
Furthermore, once the client formally engages the law firm, most of the work is then handled on a matter-by-matter basis. This external relationship often leaves the client reluctant to contact their lawyer, since the ‘meter’ will start running as soon as their call is taken.
There is now a third way – Gardner In-House Legal, a genuine alternative developed by Gardner Consulting for those serious in protecting the interests of their organisation. An outsourced legal service designed to deliver in-house counsel to companies with no legal staff, the main benefits of Gardner In-House Legal are:-
Significantly lower legal costs, compared to either law firms or own lawyer
Download a copy of the Gardner In-House Legal brochure
