MEMPHIS, TN—A survey of general counsels of companies in theSoutheastern United States reveals an upbeat view of theirrespective firm's prospects for 2015, but increasing concern overeconomic threats involving health care and cybersecurityissues.

The survey, conducted by ALM LegalIntelligence, in association with the law firmBaker Donelson, found that 58% of general counselview their companies' economic prospects as generally favorable(“better” or “much better”) in 2015 compared with 2014). However,23% cited external threats of both health care and cybersecurity asgrowing concerns for their legal departments with the potential toimpact business in the coming year. The majority of surveyrespondents were employed at companies with revenues in excess of$1 billion.

“Our survey found that Southeastern GCs are adapting to thetighter legal budgets imposed on them in recent years as simply afact of life now,” says Kevin Iredell, vicepresident of ALM Legal Intelligence. “Many are also reducing theiruse of outside counsel, except in cases where internal resourcesare inadequate, especially when it comes to litigation.” ALM LegalIntelligence is a division of ALM, which includesaward-winning media properties as Law.com (www.law.com), TheAmerican Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, The National Law Journal andThe New York Law Journal. ALM's Real Estate Division includes RealEstate Forum, GlobeSt.com and the RealShare Conference Series.