How we work.
Engagements begin with a brief introductory call, a written scope, and a conflict check. Fees are agreed in advance — fixed-fee, capped-time, or retainer — depending on the matter.
- 01
First contact
You send a paragraph through the intake form describing the matter at a high level. Do not include confidential or privileged information at this stage. We reply within one business day.
- 02
Conflict check
Before any substantive discussion, we confirm there is no conflict with an existing client and that the matter falls within our practice. If we cannot act, we say so and, where appropriate, refer.
- 03
Scoping call
A brief introductory call — typically thirty minutes, no charge — to confirm scope, jurisdiction, and timing. We agree on what success looks like before we agree on fees.
- 04
Engagement letter
Scope, deliverables, fees, timeline, and confidentiality terms set out in writing. Substantive work begins once the engagement letter is countersigned.
- 05
Delivery
Work is delivered against the engagement letter. Significant scope changes are agreed in writing before work begins on them. We do not bill for scope creep.
- 06
Closing
Files are closed under a written closing memorandum. Working papers and engagement records are retained as required by the relevant professional body.
Fees are agreed before work begins.
We do not bill against an open meter. Every engagement is quoted in writing against a defined scope. If the scope changes in a way that affects the fee, we revise the estimate before continuing — not after the work is done.
Fixed fee
Standalone matters with defined deliverables — a shareholder agreement, an annual audit, a US return. The fee is agreed before work begins and does not change unless scope does.
Capped time
Transactions and structuring opinions where the work is bounded but not fully predictable. We bill against time, capped at an agreed maximum, and stop at the cap.
Retainer
Recurring counsel for clients who need ongoing access — typically founders mid-round or family offices in active deployment. Monthly retainer with a defined scope of hours.
Hourly
Reserved for the rare matter where neither fixed-fee nor capped time is appropriate. Hourly engagements are quoted at the principal’s rate, agreed in advance.
We treat the contents of any matter, including its existence, as confidential from first contact. We do not list clients, do not publish transaction values, and do not use matters in marketing without explicit written consent.
Privilege does not attach by default. An advisor–client privilege under the relevant jurisdiction’s rules begins only when a written engagement letter is in place. Until then, please limit your communications to a high-level description of the matter. We say this on the intake form for the same reason.