Canadian Lawyer

going to be fundamentally operating in a conflict with their client' this way," says Chisholm. Borbridge agrees law s best interest in firms have to look at how they provide the value in- house counsel needs today. "I believe law firms are starting to understand the best part of the relationship management they can main- tain is to make the in-house counsel' is on all fronts. Yes, make the work happen well but that' only part of the job — make it happen well and within budget." It would appear formally s job easier and that s the last 12 months. However that doesn't mean the firms aren't getting appropriate feedback, says Borbridge."I have not been asked to do a survey of that sort, but I also believe that my relationship with the firms who do work with us is close enough as a general rule that if I had an issue or a problem I would call them and let them know, measuring the relation- ship still isn't a priority for firms. Of the more than 200 respondents, 81.6 per cent said their top law firm had not asked them to complete a written, phone, or in- person satisfaction survey in her own quality surveys with the top five firms she works with over the past 10 years. "I'm held account- able for the quality of the legal services the corpora- tion gets so I'm interested even when they're not, and my surveys are getting bet- ter and better, Chisholm has been doing " he says. also survey the external lawyers about how my company can become a better client." " she says."I WHAT IS THE AVERAGE (ACTUAL) WORK WEEK FOR MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT? 41—45 HOURS 46—50 HOURS 51—55 HOURS 33% 56+ HOURS5.2% 18.6% 43.3% DOES THE GENERAL COUNSEL HAVE THE AUTONOMY TO SELECT FIRMS OR ARE THEY CHOSEN BY THE BOARD? IT IS A SHARED DECISION WITH EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT/ BOARD 27.5% CHOSEN BY THE BOARD 3.5% 64% YES CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS: WHEN IGNORANCE ISN'T BLISS Toronto, December 10, 2012 In today's environment, conducting effective workplace investigations is essential. An effective investigation reduces the chance of subsequent litigation and increases the prospect for success should litigation result. Our course begins with the premise that one size does not fit all when it comes to investigations and provides a review of the latest law on this topic as well as practical tips and the skills necessary to conduct effective internal investigations and write effective reports. Come join the experts from Heenan Blaikie LLP who will discuss the challenges and strategic opportunities when conducting investigations including the appropriate role of in-house counsel, investigations in the age of social media and a special module on engaging law enforcement. This course is a must attend for in-house lawyers and human resource professionals who conduct or supervise investigations as well as external counsel who advise clients conducting investigations. For more information or to register, please contact Lexpert® Events at 1-877-298-5868 or e-mail: register@lexpert.ca Webcast also available! 38 N O VEMBER / D ECEMBER 2012 www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com Untitled-1 1 12-10-16 2:12 PM NO 5%

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