John Harvey-Jones who was chairman of ICI in the 1980's once remarked that he wanted his lawyers on the fast track with him when he was doing a deal.
By contrast I once overheard a conversation at Cobham railway station in Surrey about how the lawyers were being so difficult on some transaction that they were put in a separate room to dot the "i's" and cross the "t's" while the real deal was done in another room.
It is absolutely pointless being the greatest lawyer or accountant or consultant if nobody has the chance to hear your views - or does not want to. It is to my mind imperative that you get on the fast track with the senior executives in the business you are advising. Providing your input through some form of intermediary is just not the same. You need to be a trusted business adviser in the (right) room with a seat at the table or on the conference call where the decisions are made.
By contrast I once overheard a conversation at Cobham railway station in Surrey about how the lawyers were being so difficult on some transaction that they were put in a separate room to dot the "i's" and cross the "t's" while the real deal was done in another room.
It is absolutely pointless being the greatest lawyer or accountant or consultant if nobody has the chance to hear your views - or does not want to. It is to my mind imperative that you get on the fast track with the senior executives in the business you are advising. Providing your input through some form of intermediary is just not the same. You need to be a trusted business adviser in the (right) room with a seat at the table or on the conference call where the decisions are made.
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