Working in a small firm allows me to focus on select transactions with the intensity they require. Regardless of size, major transactions are intensely personal to the owners. Negotiating and documenting a deal is usually an exhausting and emotional few weeks to a few months. Honoring and empathizing with the emotional toll on the individuals requires personal attention and often a sense of humor.
I operate in much the same way I did in a large law firm. Since each deal is different, I assemble the right team to fit its specific needs, judiciously using tax and other specialists when needed. It works because I am fully engaged with each client, delving into the business in order to protect the owners from surprises after the deal closes. I embrace contemporary technology to save time and make communication easy and efficient.
Practicing in a boutique eliminates much of the overhead of a large firm, giving me the flexibility to make fee arrangements that suit clients' specific circumstances. I am not burdened with large firm overhead; I don’t have extensive staff, prime office space, or pay partner tribute, so my billing rate is half of my big-firm rate. I offer the same sophistication and experience without the overhead.