What makes you think they don't retain them in-house?

Depends on the usage... in-house counsel may open up various liabilities of their own, depending on how things present.

Fair point. I'm always fascinated by the conversations I've had with counsel and the perspectives they offer on things.

What makes you think you don't need speed dial in-house? ;)

In my experience the in-house lead attorney is usually sitting in the corner of the CEO's office. Seems silly to phone them up. :)