What are they?
Deal sheets, also known as representative matters, are invaluable tools for attorneys to showcase their legal work experience. They serve multiple purposes, including demonstrating expertise, supporting business development efforts, facilitating job evaluations, and opening doors for future career opportunities.
Who should have them?
Whether you are a seasoned attorney or just starting your legal career, having a well-curated deal sheet is an essential and effective marketing tool to attract potential clients.
Importance and Benefits:
- A deal sheet highlights your professional achievements and serves as evidence of your capabilities.
- Law firms use deal sheets as marketing tools to attract potential clients.
- Deal sheets provide a concise summary of your legal experience and expertise.
Starting Early:
- Even if you are a junior associate with limited experience, it’s beneficial to begin developing your deal sheet. It cultivates the habit of regularly updating and maintaining your professional accomplishments.
- Deal sheets are not expected to be extensive for junior associates, but they provide a foundation for future growth.
Presenting Your Deal Sheet:
- Add your deal sheet as an additional page to your resume. This allows prospective employers or clients to easily review your representative matters.
- Alternatively, maintain a separate Word document or PDF specifically for business development, evaluations, judicial applications, or personal reference.
BE NIMBLE· TIPS for Effective Deal Sheets
- Specify your role in each transaction and provide a general description without necessarily naming clients. Align your approach with your firm’s practices regarding client confidentiality.
- Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Include deal sizes, transaction numbers, or any other relevant metrics to highlight the impact of your work.
- Keep the information concise, focusing on your title, company/firm name, and a brief description of the transaction.
- Remember to update your deal sheet regularly, ideally on a monthly basis, to reflect your latest accomplishments.
Layout Options:
Consider different layouts to present your representative matters. Examples include:
- “Your Title at Company, Name of Company: Represented (Name of Company or description) in its legal entity restructuring and consolidation; responsible for drafting membership interest purchase agreements, asset purchase and transfer agreements, and corporate restructuring and dissolution documents.”
- “Legal Counsel, Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc.: Assisted in representing Dunder Mifflin in its due diligence review and analysis for its Dwight and Co. joint-venture; responsible for assessing United States real estate, economic incentives, and service contracts and identifying and drafting necessary agreements.”
Red Flags and Continuous Improvement:
- Monitor your deal sheet over time. If you are not adding more sophisticated or diverse experience, it may indicate a need for further training or professional growth.
- Stay proactive and seek new assignments to expand your skill set. Read about ways to become indispensable to your team and demonstrate your value.
In conclusion, having a well-crafted deal sheet is essential for attorneys at all career stages. It showcases your legal experience, expertise, and accomplishments. By following the tips provided and regularly updating your deal sheet, you can effectively present your professional achievements, attract clients, and advance your legal career.
