December Bridge the Gap: From Deal to Lawsuit

COURSE DETAILS

Join us for an immersive all-day program designed for lawyers eager to learn the essentials of transactional practice and dispute resolution.

In a profession where law touches every facet of life—especially in the high-stakes arena of business—your role as a legal counselor demands an understanding of how to turn clients’ lifelong dreams into enduring realities.

In reality, lawyers are dream realizers, stewards of trust whose professional guidance shapes futures, reinforcing the ethical imperative to deliver competent, client-centered advice. We will explore the foundational steps of deal formulation, negotiation, and formation, equipping you with practical tools to structure agreements that safeguard aspirations while navigating common pitfalls like ambiguous terms or overlooked risks.

Once the deal is memorialized in a contract, the course shifts to the inevitable: breaches and breakdowns, dissecting typical failure points and empowering you to advise on strategic options—whether forgiving and forging ahead, pursuing specific performance, seeking damages, or opting for mediation over litigation.

The program will culminate in a candid look at the litigation lifecycle, from pleadings to trial, demystifying the process and emphasizing rigorous cost-benefit analysis, ensuring you can guide clients through disputes with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to efficient resolutions that preserve relationships and resources.

• Introduction to the Legal Lifecycle, including Ethics and Professionalism Issues
• The Deal Lifecycle: From Ideation to Enforcement and Ethical Considerations
• Negotiations, including Tactics, Negotiation Fundamentals, Deal Breakers, Ethical Traps … and More
• Day in the Life of a Litigator vs Transactional Attorney
• Putting it in Writing: Drafting Essentials
• When Things Go South: Breach Basics; Pre-Litigation Steps; Litigation Process; Cost Analysis; Ethical Considerations
• Conclusion: Professionalism Ideals; Lawyering Done Right

FACULTY

Faculty: Joel Oster, General Counsel, Comedian of Law LLC

Moderator: Bari Chase, Director, NYCLA’s CLE Institute and Programs