Litigation Management for the In-House Generalist: The Commencement Phase

Law school taught us what litigation is supposed to look like in broad strokes. But for in-house attorneys at companies with no dedicated litigation attorney or paralegal, or with no history of litigation, the complaint left on your desk by the general counsel with the note "Can you manage this?" is daunting. Litigation management presents a new set of challenges and responsibilities to an in-house generalist’s already crowded plate. Many learn litigation management through a "trial by fire." But an understanding of litigation management shortens the learning curve, increases the ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the business and the case, and better balances litigation costs with potential results.