Post by @akkydoeslaw

Here are the rules every lawyer lives by: 1. Always lead with the answer. Busy partners will skim the email. Put the conclusion in the first line. BAD: “I’ve looked into the point you raised on the SPA and there are a few things to consider…” GOOD: “Summary: yes, the buyer can walk if the MAC clause is triggered. Detail below.” 2. Flag the solution, not just the problem. BAD: “There’s an issue with the indemnity cap.” GOOD: “Indemnity cap is set at 100% of consideration. Market is usually a fraction of that. Suggest we push back; drafting attached.” The best juniors answer the follow-up question before it’s asked. 3. Always include the key takeaway. BAD: “Please see the attached mark-up.” GOOD: “Mark-up attached. Two things to flag: (1) they’ve deleted the non-compete, (2) they’ve capped liability at £2m. The rest is administrative.” 4. Never guess on the law in writing. BAD: “I think the notice period is 14 days but not 100% sure.” GOOD: “Notice period is 14 days under cl. 9.2. Confirming there’s no carve-out in Schedule 3, will revert within 30 mins.” A wrong answer stated confidently is worse than a slightly slower right one. 5. Don’t leave people waiting, acknowledge quickly. GOOD: “Received, I will revert by 4pm.” or “Noted.” On a live deal, silence reads as dropped. Responsiveness builds trust. #lawyer #attorney #corporate #biglaw