An excellent example of an innovation that builds knowledge, reduces quasi-legal work by the law department, offers client training, and promotes client self-service comes from the law department of Kraft Foods. The particular example cited in InsideCounsel, Sept. 2006 at 62, applies to joint ventures.
The material compiled by the law department summarizes six questions that anyone in Kraft who considers entering into a joint venture must answer in the affirmative. It “outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of joint ventures; and explores the risks that need to be assessed.” The online material also includes “downloadable legal forms, including confidentiality agreements, term sheets and licensing agreements.” On the drawing board are guides that target areas such as international trade, customs, and subsidiary management.” Kraft’s is a wonderful example of something that almost all law departments could emulate.