Much like in Shakespearean plays, a government-driven investigation into company compliance can end as either a comedy or as a tragedy. To ensure the former, in-house counsel should work collaboratively with outside counsel to plan, establish, and execute an effective response plan. In doing so, the company can guarantee a positive relationship with federal regulators and avoid meeting a tragic Shakespearean demise.

The role of in-house counsel in India is evolving rapidly, and the influence of legal over other departments is also growing. Indian corporate counsel must prepare themselves for compliance in multiple jurisdictions and be aware of the legal and ethical environs of the countries in which they are doing business.

Creating and implementing a compliance program can seem like a looming prospect for any small legal department. However, don’t get intimidated by the process. By following the “10 Hallmarks for a Successful Compliance Program,” in-house counsel can implement a system that effectively safeguards against compliance risk, without breaking the budget in the process.

Contract boilerplate - choice-of-law, forum selection, integration, severability and survival clauses - are standard and necessary provisions in employment agreements. These clauses are so common that they're often recycled from one agreement to the next - sometimes with just a few keyboard clicks. But beware: Dangers may be lurking in these commonly used provisions.

This is a sample master services agreement between a company and supplier.