By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 20 September 2026 · General preparation information
A business enquiry should describe the commercial decision, not just the document name. Explain what you are buying, promising, protecting or trying to recover, and who is involved. Separate advice for a company from advice for an owner, director or guarantor. Their interests may differ. A clear objective helps an office identify the appropriate experience and estimate the first stage of work.
Three distinctions to make first
Decision 01
Planning, signing or resolving a problem?
For a proposed deal, identify the stage, proposed signing date and terms still open. For an existing problem, supply the agreement, what actually happened and the correspondence. Ask whether the immediate service is review, negotiation, recovery or a broader assessment.
Decision 02
Who carries the obligation?
List the legal names of the parties and distinguish the business from individuals giving guarantees or security. Bring existing ownership and signing arrangements. Ask whose interests the adviser represents before assuming one engagement covers every participant.
Decision 03
Which professional needs to answer?
A transaction can involve legal, accounting, valuation and funding questions. Identify assumptions that need another professional's input. Ask who coordinates those answers and whether the proposed timetable leaves room to review them before a commitment.
Prepare for a useful appointment
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A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
Compare the work, not just the price
Compare advisers against the commercial decision you need to make. Give each office the same transaction stage, documents and objective, then ask for a first-stage deliverable. A review, a negotiation and ongoing business advice are different services. Record which financial assumptions need your accountant's input and who will coordinate any specialist work before a commitment is made.
- Review and advice
- Ask for the issues identified, their practical effect and the decisions you must make. Confirm whether written advice or a marked-up document is included.
- Drafting and negotiation
- Ask who communicates with the other party, how revisions are priced and what happens if the deal changes materially during the work.
- Completion or implementation
- Confirm responsibility for approvals, signing, records and follow-up tasks. Ask which registrations, searches or external professional costs sit outside the legal fee.
Understand legal fees and written quotes →
Leave with an agreed next step
Ask for a clear first-stage deliverable, such as a written issues list or revised agreement. Confirm how further negotiations will be authorised and charged. Keep the final signed version together with advice about implementation, registrations and ongoing obligations.