In-House Lawyers Should Watch Their Law Firms in Court, Judges Say

In-house counsel and company executives who can make decisions need to attend hearings to see what they’re getting for their legal fees, patent judges said.

Judges told Silicon Valley patent lawyers that in-house attorneys and their clients should know what they’re paying for when they hire counsel to litigate their disputes. And the best way to find out is to show up for court hearings.

“I am amazed that you all don’t show up with more regularity, particularly when you’re looking at a summary judgment motion or have a Markman” hearing on claims construction “or some other significant proceeding where ...