As a corporate lawyer focusing on M&A and equity capital markets transactions, I always try to plan ahead for corporate transactions.

From my experience, lawyers often face urgent deadlines – not always because clients give short notice, but because partners delay giving instructions to the team until the last minute. I try not to be that kind of partner.

That said, I’ve come to realise that no matter how much planning is done, the effectiveness of the plan ultimately depends on the team using early notice to organise their work efficiently.

I’ve also learned that no matter how meticulously you plan, uncertainties are always part of the transaction. Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues often arise that can derail timelines.

For instance, I can’t count how many times I’ve planned to focus on certain tasks, only to be pulled away by urgent emails or phone calls that require my immediate attention to move the transaction forward.

Planning ahead doesn’t mean it has to be rigid. While it doesn’t eliminate all uncertainties and anxieties, it gives me a framework to manage the unpredictable issues and shifting priorities when they arise.

#MalaysianCorporateLawyer

#mergersandacquisitions

This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 19 January 2025.