Reasons for a Second Opinion

Why Obtain a Second Legal Opinion?

There are many reasons why you might want a second legal opinion, and we summarize the main reasons below. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your problem in more detail. There will not be any charges for the discussion and it will be treated confidentially, whether or not we are retained.

Please note that we generally focus on business matters involving more than $100,000 at issue, including transactions and business disputes of all types. However, if you need some help in another area that raises important business or financial issues, we would be happy to listen and refer you to a lawyer in the relevant field.

Here are the most frequent reasons why a client may want a second legal opinion:

• I want peace of mind! Just as in the case of serious surgery or medical treatments, you may want a second opinion on an important legal matter, to give you peace of mind or to ensure that all possible solutions have been considered. We may see the matter differently, given our particular experiences and our level of practice of business law. Our advice to you may provide you with additional assurance that your lawyer is doing a good job, under the circumstances. On the other hand, we may have a different view and, if so, we will communicate that clearly.


• My lawyer seems overwhelmed. What you may need is a business law specialist, given the size or complexity of your transaction or litigation. Just as in any other field, sometimes a professional with more specialization can provide much better service. Examples include complex acquisitions and divestitures, corporate restructurings, exotic ventures and licensing transactions, and large financings. Also, we are generally willing to work as a team with existing counsel, if that becomes your preference.


• My lawyer is not prompt. Your lawyer may be too busy to handle the matter as promptly as you like. We may be able to provide faster results. In any event we will be happy to give you clear estimates on completion dates, once we have the facts, and we will meet deadlines.


• My lawyer should be fighting harder. We would be happy to review your matter objectively and give you our view on how your current lawyer is proceeding. Sometimes it is best to fight hard, and sometimes it is best to negotiate reasonably and pleasantly, and there are endless variations to this dance, depending on all of the facts and circumstances. At the core of each transaction and dispute is the ideal negotiation process, and determining that best process is difficult. In short, that is why lawyers call their profession the “practice” of law, i.e., they are always practicing. Nevertheless, we will provide you with our judgment on the pros and cons of the process chosen by your attorney.


• My lawyer has a conflict of interest. Generally, a lawyer is obligated to disclose to his or her client any conflict of interest that could affect the legal advice. We can assist you in assessing whether a serious conflict of interest exists and in taking the next steps.


• My lawyer is too expensive. We can help you consider the terms of the retention, examine your attorney’s bills and then give you our view on the matter.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your matter, even if you are not sure whether to obtain a second opinion. We might be able to help you reach a good resolution.