Weak local counsel (sometimes “terd”) esp. Amer. n. 1. a wimpy law firm hired in an unknown or insular jurisdiction or locale for litigation (or other contentious matters) who, after the engagement has begun, instinctively and consistently puts local relationships ahead of the interests of your shared client. 2. Waste of time and money. 3. Encourage to apply for non-profit work.
They are legion, and some of your best friends. They are not bad people. They are often very smart and nice. Others may even call them good lawyers, and invite them to bar functions, family cookouts, church groups and wine-and-cheese parties. Or to more unruly places like Daytona, the Hamptons, or saloons with boozy names like Bullfeathers or the Tune Inn. They are Everywhere, and mostly men. They are in the wrong profession (or practice area). They don’t know that yet, may never know, or want to know.
Do replace weak/wimpy local counsel quickly at the first sign of hesitancy to put your client first–even if it’s supremely awkward, or involves “old ties”. Clients do come first. In an ongoing contentious matter especially, you live and breathe it. Neither you–or your local attorneys–should even have to think very hard about that one.