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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

PRO TIP - Business professionals are growing in prominence and power at law firms—so you might want to stop referring to them as "nonlawyers." "Law firms are evolving to look more like businesses … and businesses do not define people by what they are not," Jennifer Korff, who joined Am Law 200 firm Brown Rudnick as chief operating officer in December, told Law.com's Justin Henry. "I've been fortunate in my career to have the opportunity to work with the best business professionals in the industry—as colleagues and on my teams," Korff added. "Business professionals should be recognized for their capabilities and the value they deliver." The growing need among law firms for business experts has led to a competitive fervor for business professionals, from support staff to C-level additions, firm leaders said in interviews.

DEPUTY DISSATISFACTION - It's well-documented that many GCs are overworked and unhappy, but what about deputy GCs? They have be faring a little bit better, right? Well, according to a new survey from the legal-talent provider Axiom… nope! As Law.com's Chris O'Malley reports, the survey found 27% of deputy general counsel are not satisfied with their current roles and are open to new positions outside their current employer/role. Axiom enlisted Wakefield Research to survey 200 deputy GCs at companies with more than $5 billion in annual revenues. Respondents sent a resounding message of dissatisfaction, with 22% saying they are actively searching for a new gig. Of those not now actively searching, 65% said they're likely to look within the next year. The reason why many are not content is not surprising: 100% said they "report being stressed or burned out" in their current role. "DGCs, like other legal leaders, are experiencing really tight budget cuts, hiring freezes … and heavy workloads," said Susan Jacobson, senior client adviser at Axiom.

ON THE RADAR - Panera LLC, the chain store of bakery-café restaurants, was hit with a consumer class action Wednesday in Illinois Northern District Court over allegedly falsely advertising a free or $1 delivery fee. The complaint contends that Panera increases the price of items offered for delivery by up to 7% thereby charging delivery costs. The court action was filed by Edelsberg Law; Kaliel Gold PLLC; and Shamis & Gentile. Counsel have not yet appeared for the defendant. The case is 1:23-cv-01101, Ladonski v. Panera. Stay up on the latest deals and litigation with the new Law.com Radar. 

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