A clear process from inquiry to review

Stage 1 Understand the issue

You provide a brief overview of the matter, countries, counterparties, desired outcome and urgency. We assess whether it falls within the firm’s services and what information is needed for a more detailed discussion.

Initial contact does not authorize representation or create a promise of an outcome. Sensitive records follow only through an agreed channel.

Stage 2 Assess feasibility and fit

The assessment considers authority, conflicts, relevant requirements, available evidence and the practicality of the objective. Where appropriate, we propose a paid diagnostic assignment to examine the issue before a larger mandate is agreed.

A useful diagnostic identifies the decision required, the likely obstacles, information gaps and a recommended next step.

Stage 3 Agree the mandate

The written engagement sets out the client, scope, personnel, deliverables, fee basis, expenses, communication arrangements and limits of authority. It also explains how changes, termination and any required disclosures will be handled.

You decide whether to proceed with that defined assignment.

Stage 4 Conduct the work

We prepare the materials, pursue authorized communications and coordinate the agreed workstreams. Progress is reported against the mandate, with decisions requiring client approval brought back to you.

New information may justify changing the strategy. Material changes in scope or cost require an agreed revision.

Stage 5 Review and decide

At an agreed review point, we assess work completed, responses received and the remaining obstacles. The next decision may be to negotiate further, document an agreement, appoint another specialist or conclude the assignment.

An outcome can be commercially useful even when the answer is to avoid an unsuitable commitment.

What you should expect to receive

The proposal identifies the documents and reporting included. Depending on the matter, these may be an assessment, engagement plan, negotiating brief, discussion record and closing summary. No client should have to infer what professional time is intended to produce.