Act as an intermediary so that you can identify red-flag inventors early on. This will help decrease the likelihood of any surprises later during litigation.
Make sure your outside counsel has immersed themselves in case law and understands how it impacts your business specifically.
Hire outside counsel that fits the particular needs of your case. Be wary of attaching yourself to one firm for all of your IP needs.
Joint defense groups are losing their stigma. However, in order to achieve a successful outcome with this approach, make sure that you have complete cooperation among defendants prior to litigation.