Challenges Facing In-House Legal Teams in 2024

This technical report presents findings from a national survey conducted by Axiom in collaboration with Wakefield Research, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by General Counsels (GCs) in 2024. The survey involved 300 GCs and aimed to assess the current state of in-house legal teams, particularly regarding budgetary constraints, staffing issues, and technological advancements. The report outlines that a significant percentage of GCs are concerned about their departments' ability to invest in necessary talent and resources due to economic volatility. Key findings indicate that many GCs feel their teams lack adequate resources, including budget, staffing, and technology, which hampers their effectiveness. The report also highlights that GCs are increasingly turning to law firms for support due to insufficient in-house capacity. Additionally, it discusses the potential for innovative resourcing options that could help GCs manage costs while maintaining quality and oversight in their legal operations.