Tell us what you are dealing with.

1. 01

   You describe the matter

   In general terms, by email or telephone. Name the parties involved — that is what a conflicts check needs — but do not send documents or confidential detail yet.

2. 02

   We run a conflicts check

   Against every current and former client across all four offices, from a single database. This usually takes one to two business days. If a conflict exists we tell you promptly, and we do not tell you why.

3. 03

   A partner calls you

   Thirty to forty-five minutes, with the partner who would run the matter rather than a business development contact. Not charged.

4. 04

   We put the scope in writing

   What we will do, who will do it, what it will cost, and the point at which we will come back to you if the estimate is going to move.

5. 05

   The engagement begins

   The attorney–client relationship starts when the engagement letter is signed, and not before. Only from that point is what you send us privileged.

• Hourly against an estimate

  Most advisory and contentious work. Every engagement letter names the partner responsible for cost reporting and the interval at which you receive it.

• Fixed or capped

  Fund formations, most acquisitions, governance reviews, and defined advisory pieces, wherever the scope can be described in advance.

• Stage-based caps

  Contentious matters where the whole is unpredictable but the stages are not. Each stage is capped separately and reviewed before the next begins.

If you already know which practice you need, write to the practice contacts named on its page: Corporate & Transactions, Disputes & Arbitration, Regulatory & Investigations, Financial Services & Funds, Intellectual Property & Technology, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Employment & Executive Counsel, Private Client & Succession.