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Two more techniques to calculate the value delivered by a law department (DaimlerChrysler UK)

Previously, this blog discuss how the DaimlerChrysler UK law department uses notional hourly rates to show its value (See my post of Nov. 2, 2006.). In addition to that method, according to LegalWeek, Sept. 21, 2006 at 18, the same department calculates the value of lawsuits that it defends by deducting the settlement cost from the original claim value. Given the fanciful excesses plaintiffs indulge in when they state damages suffered, the subtraction leaves what might at best be called a specious savings.

Second, the department records any money that it recovers for the business. This blog has already debated how much credit a law department can and should take for recoveries (See my post of June 15, 2006 and references cited.).