Texas Lawbook: What are the biggest challenges facing small corporate legal departments today?
David Deck: I would have to say it’s the ever changing statutory and regulatory landscape. For a company like ours doing business in 47 states and Canada, keeping up with those changes is the toughest, because it’s not only the state legislatures and agencies making changes but the local municipalities who are also very active.
Texas Lawbook: What are the most important factors for you in choosing outside counsel?
David Deck: Reputation, diversity, experience in a similar industry, appreciation of our brand, recognition that they are our partners, and treat our money like it was their money.
Texas Lawbook: What are your pet peeves with outside counsel?
David Deck: Doubling up attorneys working on a file. That really irritates me. There are some firms that tend to over-litigate. We don’t do that. We ask whether we should file a motion for summary judgment if we know we are going to lose.
Texas Lawbook: How important is diversity in your selection of outside counsel?
David Deck: At CEC we have a very diverse employee base, so it’s very important because we want our counsel to reflect who we are as a company.
Texas Lawbook: Are there any fun perks for working at CEC? Free pizza?
David Deck: We have a test kitchen that is used often. So, we get to taste new things, both pizza and otherwise. Plus my office is very close, so when they fire it up I’m one of the first to smell the goodness!