In my nearly 12 years as a corporate attorney, at a large firm and in-house, I have recognized that providing value to my clients requires: (1) understanding their business, (2) identifying the legal issues that are presented, (3) effectively communicating the legal risks such that the business people can properly manage the business risks.My practice has focused largely on the business relationships of my client. This includes suppliers and customers, lenders, and buyers or sellers of business assets or equity. This transactional practice has provided insights into the importance of communication and cooperation both internally and externally. Understanding my client’s business objectives as well as the trigger points for the counter-party creates a pathway to direct discussions and negotiations in a positive manner that both protects my client’s interests and results in a successful meeting of the minds. With the transition in-house, I have focused additional effort on creating value for the business through the identification of issues, both legal and non-legal, where improvements can have a direct, positive effect on the end results. I also have experience in adversarial matters. When a business relationshipship falters, there can be disagreement about the facts giving rise to the dispute or the legal rights of the parties. My focus in representing my client is to understand the facts and the law, be honest and forthright about the risks, and pursuing the most favorable outcome available to my client. The end result may occur through settlement discussions, motion practice before the court, or a more developed litigation process.