{4:00 minutes to read} In December 2016, one deal consumed my attention. I had never sold a school before, but a trusted colleague convinced me to accept the engagement for that reason.
Year-end deals are often challenging, but in this case, getting to closing presented some unique hurdles requiring creative solutions.
{3:24 minutes to read} In October’s blog, Is a Letter of Intent Necessary in an M&A Transaction?, we suggested getting an attorney involved early in the deal process, even prior to finalizing a letter of intent. However, in transactions where there is no letter of intent, when is it appropriate to involve your attorney in the deal process?
{3:18 minutes to read} Have you ever sent an email you wish you hadn’t? The consequences can sometimes be catastrophic. One strategy for dealing with challenging or frustrating encounters is to write down everything you would like to say, and then not send the message. This allows you to step back and vent. More importantly, it allows you time to think about what you would like to say, rather than reacting quickly and emotionally. Often this exercise helps inform one’s actual response.
{3:42 minutes to read} There’s a debate raging among transactional attorneys about whether entering into a letter of intent (LOI) in advance of negotiating a purchase agreement is a necessary step in the M&A process.
An LOI summarizing the basic terms of a proposed deal provides an outline for the longer form purchase agreement. Some attorneys think it’s penny wise but pound foolish not to have an LOI.
{3:36 minutes to read}
As Oprah is to bread, I love summer! I love basking in the sun and watching the waves crash on the beach. I love socializing with friends, cooking and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. I also love the playfulness of the summer season, so accepting the transition from summer into fall is always a challenge for me.
Why is it important to embrace the season you are in?
One thing I know about myself is that I am generally resistant to change, but I recognize that if I fail to embrace the season I am in, I will miss out on enjoying/appreciating the present moment.
{3:48 minutes to read}
July 1st, 2017: The day I experienced virtual reality. As an attorney with extensive experience in telecom & new media, I was first introduced to augmented reality (AR) nearly five years ago. In negotiating Non-Disclosure Agreements relating to this new technology, I understood that AR eyewear and similar devices could alter and/or enhance our visual experience. Interesting concept, right?
{4:00 minutes to read} As a solo, my role has shifted over time from acting principally as a legal scribe to more of a trusted advisor to many clients. Occasionally, a client makes it clear they prefer me to stay in my legal lane and not offer business advice. I find this tension exists for other professionals as well, so I interviewed Larry Cohen, Partner-in-Charge, Business Management Hospitality Group Leader at Marks Paneth LLP, to gain his sage perspective:
1. I understand that sometimes you are hired to provide strategic advice while other clients hire you and your staff to provide traditional CPA services. When there is overlap, how do you know when your client prefers you to “shut up and focus on the numbers?” What are the “tells” when you’ve said too much?
{3:48 minutes to read} Seven years ago, when I launched Aimee B. Davis Law P.C., I was dubious about whether I’d secure the same sophisticated level of corporate transactional work I was accustomed to handling as an associate (and later, as special counsel) in BIG LAW.
One of my primary concerns was the reaction potential clients would have when they discovered I worked from home. Would they take me seriously as a candidate for complex matters? In order to avoid the possibility of having my expertise and experience unfairly discounted by the lack of marble inlays surrounding my workspace, I tried to keep my office location on the down low. (SHOUT OUT to my legacy clients who were always “in the know” and willing to work with me no matter where I was situated!)
{3:30 minutes to read} In February, I experienced every computer user’s worst nightmare. My computer crashed, and unless I was willing to pay $3,000 to a forensic expert (a/k/a a professional hacker), nothing was retrievable from the hard drive.
For several weeks prior to the crash, whenever I turned my computer on, it sounded like a plane about to take off. So, the crash was not entirely unexpected. In anticipation of the inevitable, I purchased a new computer, but unfortunately, my hardware died before I had a chance to set up the new system and transfer the data. I spent a lot of wasted hours stressing out about the anticipated loss of my data, even though I was relying on a third-party, cloud-based storage provider to protect, access and restore my work product.
Despite the fact that it is the shortest month of the year, February was a very long month for me, until I learned some valuable lessons: Continue reading
{4:24 minutes to read} Although Q1 2017 is in the history books, it’s never too late to re-evaluate your business habits and consider how they may be improved.
Transitioning from an employee of BIG LAW to a solo practitioner was challenging, but figuring out how to organize my time has always come easy to me. When I launched Aimee B. Davis Law P.C., people who knew I worked from home commended my self-discipline and ability to stay motivated.
