Keeping open lines of communication.

• Position: INSIDE OUT - Interview - Reprint

This is the first installment in Strategies of "Inside Out" with law firm partner Christina Martini and in-house counsel David Susler. They are not only lawyers who practice on different sides of the table, but they are also married to each other. Watch them talk more about this topic with the Better Government Association's Andy Shaw at chicagolawyermagazine.com.

Talk about the importance of keeping the lines of communication open

between in-house counsel and law firm lawyers when they work together on litigation and projects.

Martini: Strong communication is at the heart of any good attorney-client relationship. Keeping those lines open is critical to ensure that outside counsel understands the scope of the project and what the client wants and needs. It is also fundamental in enabling the client to monitor the progress of a matter and ensures that the project stays on task and that there is an opportunity to adjust outside counsel's approach if necessary. Clients do not like surprises and strong communication helps minimize the chances that they will occur.

Susler: The importance and necessity of good communication cannot be overstated. Communication is the key to reaching the desired results of any engagement as well as to delivering the kind of client service that outside counsel wants to deliver and that the in-house client wants to receive.

How does communication change as cases and projects advance through various stages of litigation and development?

Martini: You generally see changes in the frequency and substance of communications between clients and their outside counsel as a matter progresses. Initially, outside counsel strives to understand the scope and subject matter of the project, the issues of primary concern to the client and how they define a successful outcome as well as potential legal and business pitfalls. As the matter progresses, the communications tend to become more frequent and substantive and, depending on the depth and breadth of the assignment, they may involve more individuals from both the client's organization as well as from the outside law firm. The most frequent communications will likely occur as the matter reaches various critical junctures.

Susler: I would recommend that, especially during a lull in a given matter, outside counsel not go "radio silent" and allow your client to think you've forgotten about them and their matter. Send a short status report from time to time, even if all there is to...