A new Hildebrandt International survey reveals that in-house law departments are cutting their budgets. That revelation is sure to fire up water cooler conversations this morning, The survey is actually reporting 2008 data, ignoring the grim reaper most law departments were forced to confront this year. The survey was sent out in March and is only now being reported. It is so out-of-date as to be irrelevant.
The Fulbright 6th Annual Litigation Trends Survey Report (available here) is far more interesting. Nearly a third of the respondents anticipate growth in litigation during 2010. Budget forecasts and costs control remain the two biggest areas of concern with outside counsel. About half the companies report using alternative fees (not defined), and e-discovery remains an important topic.
I guess this is not a year for revelations.