Survey finds manufacturing lawyers respond to disruptions at nearly three times the industry rate
Manufacturing in-house counsel are shifting into crisis management mode at least weekly at nearly three times the rate reported across all industries, according to a new survey released by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).
ACC published the report, “How Legal Departments Are Adapting to Geopolitical Uncertainty.” The association surveyed 168 general counsel and deputy general counsel from 20 industries to examine how geopolitical developments are affecting legal departments.
The survey explored the effects of supply chain disruptions, regulatory volatility, trade uncertainty, and other global business risks on legal operations. It also examined how legal departments are changing their responsibilities, allocating resources, and structuring their teams in response to those challenges.
The report found that 41 percent of manufacturing in-house counsel face crisis-driven pivots at least weekly, compared with one in six legal professionals across all sectors. ACC identified manufacturing as a leading indicator of how legal departments are adapting to geopolitical uncertainty because the sector faces heightened exposure to trade policy changes, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and cross-border operational risks.
The report also identified finance and banking, insurance, mining, oil and gas, transportation and warehousing, and agriculture as high-impact sectors.
“The findings and direct feedback from ACC members underscore the increasingly strategic role legal departments play in helping organizations assess risk, strengthen resilience, and support business continuity,” said Jason L. Brown, ACC president and chief executive officer. He added that geopolitical uncertainty has had a particularly significant effect on industries with complex global supply chains, substantial cross-border operations, and increased regulatory exposure.
The survey found that many organizations have not established formal approaches to managing geopolitical risk. More than half of respondents said their organizations rely on informal or ad hoc processes or have not addressed geopolitical risk at all. ACC said organizations should formalize governance frameworks as a critical first step.
The report also found that legal workloads are increasing. Overall, 53 percent of respondents reported heavier workloads, with manufacturing companies and larger organizations reporting the most significant increases.
The survey identified additional areas of concern. Fifty-two per cent of respondents said their organizations have not updated standard contract templates despite escalating geopolitical volatility. ACC highlighted the force majeure and sanctions provisions as requiring attention.
Although many organizations use scenario planning and external consultants to address geopolitical risks, 36 percent of respondents said their organizations have taken no action. According to ACC, general counsel are seeking proactive intelligence capabilities and geopolitical expertise within their legal departments.
