In 2009 I will move this weblog into a few new areas that will be important for corporate legal departments and the law firms that want to continue to serve them.

This means that the shopworn “Billable Hour Has to Go” will be given a rest for awhile.

So here are three for starters:

Facing Hard Choices
“Management has a hard time destroying parts of its business unless the alternative, obvious to everyone, is that there is no choice.”

— Clay Shirky

There’s No Turning Back
“We think it’s time to quit sticking our heads a bit in the sand [and] taking incremental steps . . . in the name of hoping that it comes back to the way it used to be in years gone by.”

—David Hunke

Tangible Beats Theoretical
“Create more value than you capture.”

— Tim O’Reilly

The first two quotations emerged from the turmoil that is roiling the modern newspaper. It may seem that there are no parallels to the legal industry. I think there are, and I’ll develop them later.

The third quotation is about newer web-based businesses, and Google is used as an example for their ad search business that allows keyword customers to calculate value on a near real-time basis. Again, what is the link to the legal industry? Here’s one for now: customers (and clients) are demanding more than a vague notion of “transparency;” they want to see clearly how expenditures are worth it on their own terms.

In challenging times it’s tempting to hunker down and try to ride out market storms; some companies almost crawl into a hole like a form of corporate hibernation.

So this year we will try to stay on the positive side of the ledger and give some ideas on how to emerge and face the day, not stand in the road waiting for those oncoming headlights.

(a recent visitor to the Wired GC HQ)

To call 2008 a year of change is an understatement.

But rather than complain, I’ve found insight from two leaders who have had tremendous success and know how to face reality squarely. I thought I’d share.

First, two observations about Apple’s Steve Jobs:

There are many words that characterize Apple under the second reign of Steve Jobs: resurgent, exciting, innovative, successful. I’d add one more to that list: fearless.

Most large corporations are afraid of change. Successful product lines, business plans, and especially brands are milked for every penny. And when there’s nothing left, when the thing’s been beaten into the ground until not a single ounce of value remains, only then will corporations reluctantly move on. (via Ars Technica)

To which is astutely added:

It’s not that Steve Jobs is fearless, but rather that he’s afraid of not changing. Where other CEOs can’t bring themselves to do something different, Jobs can’t bring himself to keep doing the same thing. (via Daring Fireball)

Second, words to the wise from GE’s Jeffrey Immelt:

This economic crisis doesn’t represent a cycle. It represents a reset. It’s an emotional, social, economic reset.
…
People who understand that will prosper, Those who don’t will be left behind. (via Marc Gunther)

I dare say many in the law right now feel sort of battered by change and more than a little fearful about what 2009 may bring.

I think 2009 will be a better year than 2008. Not easier, not predictable. Definitely not migrating back to the status quo. Maybe even a bit exciting. That would be my definition of a happy new year.

So take flight 2008. You can go now.