“Business and communication styles” of firms they like matter for in-side lawyers

“Even if a firm has the expertise, if their business and communication style isn’t compatible with ours, it doesn’t really help.” This quote from a general counsel of a small company in Canada comes from Future Law Office: Delivering Value-Added Legal Services in Challenging Times (Robert Half Legal 2009) at 5.

“Business and communication style” conflates impressions of the firm’s billing approach and chemistry (See my post of July 4, 2009: modest value ascribed to “chemistry”.). The more specific aspect is how the partners communicate: quick calls, emails, memos, treatises, in-person, frequently, big picture first or details first …. For some in-house lawyers, however they perceive and value “communication style” is important. De gustibus non est disputandum.