On May 22, 2025, Brodie Erwin (Raleigh litigator) and Colleen Bear (Senior Manager Talent Management and Coach) co-hosted Kilpatrick’s bi-monthly virtual roundtable discussion with in-house counsel. This month’s installment focused on improving trust and collaboration between in-house legal teams and outside counsel by better understanding interpersonal dynamics.
Below are key takeaways from the Roundtable about what it truly takes to break down silos, handle conflict constructively, and ensure that outside counsel become trusted business partners with their client’s in-house legal teams. Technical expertise is just the starting point. The most effective legal teams are the ones that build real trust, communicate clearly, and collaborate seamlessly—across departments, with outsi