“Taking Instructions” Roleplay

Partner

Instructions:

  1. It’s your job to assign the work. WHAT do you need and WHEN do you want/need it by? Try to put yourself in the shoes of this partner.

  2. The junior will want to attend the negotiation. How do you balance the desire to train them with not wanting them to undermine you (or your client)?

  3. There are a few key pieces of information below that you’ve “forgotten” (or assumed the associate already knows), but you will reveal it if the associate asks you the right questions.

  4. If in doubt, use your judgment and just make it up. Have fun with it. 😊

ASSOCIATE’S PRIOR WORK

You’ve reviewed the draft agreement, but haven’t sent it to the client yet because it needs work. It wasn’t very good, and you’re a little worried that the associate doesn’t have what it takes. You haven’t provided feedback yet – you’re concerned about hurting their feelings, and (of course) you’ve been busy on other files.

FACTS

The plan had been to own the venture as equal partners, but initially your client Warren had fronted all of the money. As the 17-year old son of a famous watch-maker, Ali was the one tasked with buying the watches, which he did with Warren’s money. Now there’s no stock and no money, and Warren doesn’t want to be the only one holding the bill. And the agreement (which was to set out responsibilities and remedies in case of issues) is still in draft and hasn’t been reviewed by the other sides.

BRINGING THE JUNIOR ALONG

You’re concerned about bringing the junior to the meetings because you think they’re a loose cannon. They don’t seem to read the room and they will often pipe up with opinions when they shouldn’t. You’re worried it might reflect poorly on you, the firm, and Warren.

TIMING

Warren would like the memo by Wednesday but could get it first thing Thursday. You think you’ll need a day with it if it’s decent, two days if it’s bad, and three days (to redo it) if it’s terrible. It’s up to you when you ask the junior to provide you with the draft memo. How good do you think it will be?

KEY PIECES OF INFO (you’ve forgotten the below, but will remember if the associate asks a relevant question)

  • Your partner Courtney had done some research on a similar thing recently. It has totally slipped your mind, but if the associate asks you about precedents (or the like), you can point them in this direction.

  • You think you heard about an ONCA decision from last year that dealt with minors in JVs.

  • You drafted an agreement for Warren last year when he was entering into business with Mabel’s parents. You think it’s gone well. You know he doesn’t want to make enemies.

  • Warren prefers shorter memos. He once got mad at you when you gave him a four page memo.