It was only a few months after the market tumbled in September 2008 that my husband and I welcomed our first child, born in January 2009. Of course it was an amazingly joyous occasion, and we were thrilled beyond words. But our happiness was tempered as the effects of the economic downturn began to hit close to home.
Over time, of course, we adjusted. Sure, we had to get used to that added expense that comes along with a baby, which was coupled with fewer dollars rolling into our bank account thanks to the downturn. And I admit that although it was scary at first, through creative belt-tightening, I was able to look these challenges in the face and make it work.
Many in-house counsel had to go through similar exercises when they came in to work everyday. In this month's cover story ("Running Lean"), InsideCounsel takes a peek into five legal departments and how they've had to handle the many challenges of working through these tough economic times. Whether it's reduced budgets or lack of resources, they're all surviving. And every day, they continue to make it work.
At InsideCounsel, we strive to provide content--such as this month's cover story--that will help legal department managers do their jobs more effectively. While our magazine and our website are two of the tools we use to do this, our SuperConference (Chicago, May 25-26) also provides an excellent opportunity for GCs to network and learn new ways to run their legal departments more efficiently.
This year's SuperConference boasts many sessions that do just that. From an ethics boot camp and litigation management to labor and employment law updates and best practices in social media, the conference is sure to offer the substantive information in-house counsel need. A keynote GC panel--moderated by former Solicitor General Ted Olson and including David Leitch of Ford, Deborah Platt Majoras of Proctor & Gamble and Michele Coleman Mayes of Allstate--will give attendees an opportunity to hear high profile GCs discuss how they handle issues in their departments. And several networking events will allow in-house counsel to meet or reconnect with many of their peers. Overall, this year's SuperConference is shaping up to be a great event.
Whether you're still finding a new normal for your department in this economy or are simply looking for fresh ideas to help you manage your department better, please join us at this year's SuperConference. For a preview, insidecounsel.com/superconference.
The InsideCounsel staff looks forward to seeing you there.
