Silicon Valley Companies Looking for a Few Good GCs

Jessie Seyfer, of The Recorder, writes about the worlds biggest tech companies and their scramble to fill leadership positions within their legal departments. Click here to read more.

Does it Matter How They Spend Their Money?

In a story covered by law.com, a New Jersey judge has ordered Merck & Co. to release records documenting how much it spent on a trial involving its Vioxx painkiller. Outside counsel for Merck disagreed with the judge's decision and stated that what defense lawyers spend has no relation to plaintiffs lawyers' expenses. But since the order was made as part of the discovery process, Merck couldn't appeal.

Merck has reserved $970 million for legal costs and spent $285 million of that last year. So, how much was spent on litigating whether Vioxx caused the victims heart attacks or the consumer fraud issue?

Read this article on law.com

ACC's Annual Meeting

The ACC Annual Meeting is less than a week away. The office is a buzz with activity, as we prepare to journey across the country to meet our members. This will be my second Annual Meeting, and I must say, I'm more than excited. It's always such a pleasure to get out of the office and meet the membership. It gives me a chance to find out what it is you're looking for from ACC Online. My ears are always open--what do you want to see more of on our site? How do you like our recent website redesign? How can we make your visit to acc.com more productive? Looking forward to seeing some old faces and meeting some new ones! See you in San Diego.

Nichole Opkins, Esq.

In the News: Tough Times for In-house Lawyers?

That's what the Wall Street Journal's Ashby Jones is reporting today on page A12. The story says that "at least seven general counsels...have left their jobs in the wake of a backdating investigation." You should be able to access this story on the WSJ's law page. (Registration may be required.)

Now, will someone remind the WSJ that counsel needs no "s" when plural? Thanks.