European CLOs Face Rising Investigation Expenses, According to Association of Corporate Counsel

A recent survey by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and FTI Consulting has revealed that legal costs for European Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) are climbing at a faster rate than their global counterparts. According to the 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey, 40% of European CLOs have experienced higher expenses due to internal investigations—11% more than the global average of 29%.

The findings indicate that internal investigations are becoming more prevalent in Europe, with 58% of CLOs in the region reporting an increase, compared to 44% worldwide. This surge in investigations has significantly contributed to rising legal costs, setting European CLOs apart from their global peers.

The survey also sheds light on differences in corporate reporting structures. In Europe, 73% of CLOs report directly to the CEO, slightly below the global figure of 79%. For those who do not report to the CEO, the majority (59%) answer to the CFO—a stark contrast to the global average of 44%.

When it comes to strategic focus, European CLOs prioritize operational efficiency more than their global counterparts. About 42% rank it as their top priority, surpassing the global average by 7%. Meanwhile, CLOs in other regions place greater emphasis on talent management, data security, and litigation defensibility.

Regulatory uncertainty remains the foremost challenge for European CLOs, cited by 33% of respondents. This stands in contrast to global concerns, where understaffing emerges as the primary issue.

The report further highlights a growing dependence on external legal support. Over half (53%) of European CLOs have increased their use of outside counsel in the past year, outpacing the global trend.

As European legal departments grapple with rising costs and shifting priorities, the survey underscores the evolving landscape of corporate legal management in the region.

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