Lead, partner, execute, and be passionate.(President's page)

One of the great benefits afforded members of the IADC is the ability to attend Regional Meetings, whether at home or on the road. Not only does one get to connect with IADC friends, new and old, but one also gets to attend a top quality educational program. Such was the case in New York City this past December. Perhaps 60 IADC members and guests met at the Pfizer offices to reunite and to attend a stellar educational program.

Kirk Forrest, General Counsel of Minerals Technologies and my predecessor as Corporate Vice President of the IADC, made a presentation that is applicable to virtually every professional relationship we enjoy. While Kirk's comments were based on his expectations and advice for his legal department, his comments are equally applicable to the relationships between outside counsel and client and, at times, to the relationships that exist within law firms. Kirk has kindly given me permission to share his comments, as I remember them. I hope I do Kirk justice.

A successful attorney/client relationship needs for the attorney to be a leader, to partner with the client, to successfully execute the work, and to be passionate about his work. When all four elements fall into place, the resulting relationship undoubtedly with be long term and of mutual benefit.

The practice of law calls on all lawyers to be leaders, whether in the courtroom, in the law firm, or in the community. As a client, I expect my outside counsel to be leaders in the handling of the particular matters entrusted to them. Citing his company's "Transformational Rules for Leaders," Kirk gave an excellent outline of what we, as in-house counsel, expect from those leaders:

* Be Fast, Focused and Fundamental--The direct, no frills approach, is most effective.

* Be Binary--While a menu of options is often helpful, it should be accompanied with a definite recommendation. Yes or No. Left or Right. A decision must be made, and you are most helpful when you are clear as to your recommended course of action and why.

* Be Positive--This relates to my last article on being a facilitator. Don't just say "No." Go further and try to come up with advice that can help attain the client's intended goal.