In recent years, there have been significant changes in how the law and in-house lawyers are perceived by business people, relationships between in-house lawyers and private practitioners and the ability to move between in-house and private practice, and, working practices. As a result it has become increasingly important for heads of legal departments to chart a way forward for the delivery of legal services within the organisation, the development of the team's performance and their own performance. This report aims to capture the vital elements of effective legal department management and to provide a guide to the busy in-house practitioner, who needs to balance case load with the pressures of managing a department. Did you know, this report has CPD hours accredited to it! Thorogood legal reports are accredited by The Solicitors Regulation Authority (CPD reference DVQ/THPU) for continuing professional development as distance learning education. Don't miss out on this chance to collect your hours! NB: Solicitors may claim up to 75 per cent (12 hours) of their annual CPD requirement by undertaking distance learning education.