This morning, I had the opportunity to speak on a panel with other journalists to a group of lawyers. I speak on panels somewhat regularly—often in a moderating role, but sometimes simply discussing how InsideCounsel helps provide information and tools we hope will make in-house counsel’s jobs a little easier.

But my panel this morning was a bit different. It was about how these particular lawyers (a group of attorneys in the health care practice group at Drinker Biddle) could offer support to make our jobs as journalists easier. After all, our audience is the same—senior-level corporate in-house counsel.

Although the audience consisted of lawyers in the health care field, the discussion remained general. InsideCounsel magazine doesn’t publish stories written independently by lawyers, so a firm lawyer’s only opportunity to help out with a print story is to be a source. When the moderator asked how these lawyers can get into one of our stories, the answer was simple: Be available, be accurate, be willing to talk on the record about a relevant topic, and most importantly, tell me exactly why in-house counsel need to know and care about the particular topic we’re discussing.

As I made my points on this panel, I realized that the vast majority of InsideCounsel’s private practice sources—from someone we have never spoken to before to our regular contacts—already do exactly this. With the exception of the occasional controversial story that most lawyers shy away from talking about on the record, the lawyers at most big law firms make themselves available, provide accurate information and really are an integral part of InsideCounsel putting together relevant, timely stories for our readers.

This sentiment rings true with regard to InsideCounsel’s events as well. In April, we held our 12th annual SuperConference, and for the past several years, the event has been open to law firm lawyers both as sponsors and attendees. Since the conference has become more inclusive and has seen an increased participation among a diverse group of lawyers from various firms, the content has benefited. Read about this year’s successful event here.

The editorial staff works hard every day to stay true to the InsideCounsel mission, which is to provide business insights to law department leaders. Without the invaluable help of so many law firm lawyers, that would be very challenging to do.