Practice Areas

Emerging & Strategic Issues Management

Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s proactive approach to strategic issues management helps predict and minimize business risks by analyzing the potential legal implications of future trends and emerging issues. An invaluable resource in this evolving corporate landscape, the Emerging & Strategic Issues Management Practice monitors the scientific, regulatory and litigation developments most likely to affect client interests as they adapt to prospective demands. This group tracks global topics and trends in a constantly shifting matrix that now includes: climate change and sustainability, corporate responsibility, alternative energy and biofuels, biotechnology, nanotechnology,, global water shortages, immigration, workplace security versus personal privacy, and global dispute resolution.

To anticipate these future trends and respond to litigation threats on behalf of clients, SHB focuses on training and preparing its lawyers to handle not only trials, but also alternative dispute resolution and risk management. This practice has access to the firm’s arsenal of complex litigation experience; scientific and technical expertise; and state-of-the-art litigation management support. In addition, these attorneys frequently partners with the Public Policy Practice to pursue legislative and tort reform on important stakeholder concerns. These matters often involve “mega issues,” such as instant universal communication or climate change, that will continue to push corporate operations toward a measured performance regulatory approach and away from a command-control system. As a result, SHB counsel emphasizes effective and cost-efficient solutions based on the latest industry information and best compliance practices.

The SHB Emerging & Strategic Issues Management Practice is prepared to assist companies with supply chain risk management, vulnerability assessments and corporate conduct reviews to defuse contentious legal scenarios and promote overall operative efficiency. SHB attorneys work closely with in-house counsel to create programs emphasizing product stewardship, transparency in business operations and sustainability efforts, as well as the latest in data tracking and retention technology. The emerging issues team also offers innovative fee arrangements best-suited to individual business needs. To this end, SHB seeks to further the business goals, vision and values of clients facing unique litigation and risk management challenges.