It is fashionable in the year’s final days to focus on what has been.  While 2010 was certainly, uh, “entertaining” to say the least, perhaps looking forward would be more productive.

Economy.  The theme for 2011 seems to be “slow progress”.  The economy will improve – albeit gradually – with consumer spending rising and unemployment falling.  Higher gas prices are emerging as a potential issue for the year ahead, and an overall and sadly deserved lack of faith in government and its institutions (like the Federal Reserve) will keep the recovery modest.  But by comparison, the economic outlook for 2011 is better than what we saw in 2010 and a big step forward from 2009.  Modest, sustained growth is generally preferable to the boom-bust cycles of the past decade.

Legal.  Businesses will continue to look for new and  innovative ways to control legal costs.  While in the past they have paid lip service to the notion of reducing expenditures on attorneys while still shelling out too much for top dollar firms that provide too little, corporate law departments, directors, managers, and officers are under increasing pressure to trim wherever possible.  This is an ideal time for innovative providers like In House Legal to offer high caliber services while reducing costs and adding value.  The days of Biglaw dominating the big business and corporate legal markets are over.

In House Legal.  For 2011, IHL is focusing on broadening its presence in Nashville and the Mid-South, further developing a client base in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas, and entering the New York City metropolitan legal services market.  The agenda for next year is very ambitious because of the realities of today’s economy.  IHL represents an innovative, cost-effective alternative for the provision of legal services.  In other words, we have something good to offer the business and corporate communities, and we intend to let them know we’re here.

To our many clients, colleagues, and friends, we wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.