Seeking counsel
Given the potential for external investigations and prosecutions to severely impact an organisation, efforts to prevent, respond to and mitigate this risk will naturally extend beyond just the legal team. Bringing in external counsel seems inevitable, but at what stage should the in-house team seek outside assistance?
The use of external counsel, once an investigation or prosecution has been made official, received across-the-board support from participants in this survey. 77% of respondents considered it at least moderately important for external counsel to be involved at that point, with almost half of those considering it highly important. 14% reported feeling that external counsel would not be involved.
‘Especially in smaller departments I have been a part of, having a good lawyer outside your business who knows your business is critical,’ explains one senior legal director in the European aviation industry.
