The special practice demands of IP-dependent enterprises, combined with the Bay Area’s unusual economy and cost of living, limits the usefulness of surveys by national media groups and HR consultancies.  This survey was initiated during the summer of 2009 to develop informational tools specific to managing the in-house legal function at SVAGC member companies.

Participants submitted responses either on-line or by submitting a written form. The survey asked for information in four areas: (1) company information; (2) general counsel responsibilities and experience; (3) legal department budget and types of staff specialization; and (4) compensation of local staff counsel and non-attorney professionals.

Over a quarter of the SVAGC membership responded to the survey. The respondents’ enterprises included both public and private companies, and a wide range of revenues, workforce sizes, industry subsectors, and international activity.

A 30-page report has been prepared, analyzing survey results.  The variety of responses enables this analysis to go beyond overall benchmarks; it also examines correlations between legal department metrics and company characteristics, and suggests relationships among the various statistics. For example, this report looks at the relationship between (a) the ratio of how much revenue is supported by a dollar of legal budget, and (b) the company’s size or industry sector.

The survey report is available at no charge to participating members, and is otherwise available at a cost of $295.  The report was prepared by Ivy Associates, which conducted the survey.  For more information, and to purchase a copy of the report, please visit the survey web site.