The Newest Faces in Many Corporate Legal Departments Aren’t Practicing Lawyers

After one of Yahoo’s outside law firms sent a bill last year that included a noticeable, unannounced rate increase, Jeffrey Franke — the chief of staff to the general counsel and senior director of legal operations — felt compelled to drive up the coast to San Francisco for a face-to-face visit with the lead lawyer.

It was the day of the America’s Cup, and as yachts raced around the city, Franke said he found himself waiting for the lawyer in a 35th floor conference room with a “glorious” panoramic view of the Bay.

“The partner comes in and sits down with me and said ‘Jeff, it’s been a really difficult ...