Very few general counsel try to have their key law firms cooperate with each other. The exceptions that prove the rule, notably DuPont, don’t share their methods to evaluate the degree and usefulness of their firms sharing information and playing well in the sandbox.
It would be possible for a law department to ask each of its key firm two questions: (1) “Please describe any instances in the past six months where you sought material assistance from another key firm and name the firm.”
(2) “Please describe any instances in the past six months where you materially assisted another key firm.”
The answers would be quite revealing. You can bet that the answers six months later, when you ask again, will elaborate significantly.