Can you distinguish between a good lawyer and a mediocre lawyer?

Lawyering

I have heard it many times… that most clients are unable to distinguish between a mediocre lawyer and a good one.

Is that true?

Can’t a client tell when a lawyer is well-prepared, having reviewed all the documents and anticipating potential questions, versus one who might not be as ready for the meeting?

Can’t a client appreciate the difference between a lawyer who takes the time to thoroughly brief the client and ensure the client understands what’s at stake, versus one who may not invest as much time in that process?

And what about the attention to detail in documents? Can’t a client see the difference between an agreement that’s carefully drafted and one that might leave room for ambiguity or future disputes?

This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 11 March 2025.

Linkedin Post
Getting into the details to make a deal work

A big part of my role as a corporate lawyer has been listening to clients explain the commercial terms they want in their deals. The next step is asking the right questions that make those terms work in the real world. Sometimes the parties have a general idea of the …

Linkedin Post
Founder Exit: Legal Checklist to Avoid Delays

Before buyers commit, their lawyers will conduct legal due diligence that may uncover gaps or non-compliance which delay the founder’s exit or reduce the price. This list helps founders/ sellers resolve common legal issues before they’re flagged in legal due diligence. Share Capital & Shareholders  Have all past share allotments …

Linkedin Post
Founders selling for the first time need more than high-level legal advice

Some founders selling their businesses for the first time are not sure where legal advice is needed or how deep that advice should go. In past deals where I acted for buyers, I have seen: – A founder who asked their lawyer for a “high-level review” of sale and purchase …