Book excerpt: The fifth edition of The Corporate Counsellor's Deskbook offers insightful analysis of the key areas of the law of critical interest to in-house counsel and corporate law departments, as well as outside firms and attorneys who represent corporate clients on a regular basis.The authors provide step-by-step guidance on issues such as: Employment agreements and executive compensationManaging complex litigation and litigation budgetingImplementing internal procedures to protect against insider trading and internal file controlsTaking advantage of alternative dispute resolution formatsCounseling on employment law and intellectual propertyNoncompetition agreementsImport regulation and customs complianceEnvironmental law concerns.Additional topics in the Fifth Edition include: