In the first few days after a company is served with a new lawsuit — or receives a threat of a new lawsuit — there are numerous steps that in-house counsel should take. These steps serve a dual purpose: They ensure compliance with the requirements placed on a civil litigant, and they put the company in the best position to defend itself against the claims. During the initial scramble of investigating claims, figuring out legal defenses and obtaining outside counsel, it is not uncommon for in-house counsel to miss simple tasks and responsibilities.
