{3:12 minutes to read} For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of knowing and being mentored by Debra Forman, a certified executive coach and the founder of Pinstripe Coaching, which specializes in consulting to lawyers and law firms.
Debra’s recent video blog entitled “After It Rains, Episode 23: Your Integrity” resonated with me because I’ve been thinking about the importance of acting with empathy. Continue reading
{3:18 minutes to read} This was one of many questions I asked myself when starting my solo practice. The answer is they can’t.
I am not an expert in all aspects of law, and I can’t answer every client question. There are many times I must consult with attorneys specializing in different practice areas. Consultation is fundamental to the legal profession, and a lot of billable time is spent contemplating “what if” and unintended consequences.
{3:24 minutes to read} I have a client who started his own business last year. We recently had a conversation about the challenges he faces. While on some level, he “knew he could do it,” he expressed concern about the amount of time it might take him to develop an expertise in sales.
The question arose, is it worth it to try to become an expert in developing new skills, or is it better to delegate where you feel lacking?
{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?
