More and more lawyers are taking on the role of managers of cross-functional teams. This new phenomenon has the potential
to save costs and generate excellent inter-departmental communication. Bringing the management of cross-functional teams to the legal department reduces the need for outside management consultants and outside law firms, and makes it clear to the legal department exactly what needs to be done in order to advance the business of the company. This article demonstrates how pointed questions, in the style of a reporter’s traditional “5Ws,” can lay the foundation for participation in cross-functional teams.