how-to
249 articles tagged how-to
How to Build a Due Diligence Checklist for M&A
A comprehensive guide to building an M&A due diligence checklist tailored to your deal type. Covers the essential categories, how to customize for buy-side vs. sell-side transactions, and what experienced deal teams include that checklists from templates miss.
How to Identify Material Contracts in a Data Room
Identifying which contracts are material is the first and most important judgment call in M&A due diligence. This guide covers value thresholds, strategic importance criteria, unusual terms flags, and SEC materiality standards that experienced deal teams use to separate the critical from the routine.
How to Review 500 Contracts in a Weekend
A step-by-step guide for M&A attorneys facing a tight diligence timeline. This post covers the triage, prioritization, extraction, and review workflow that makes high-volume contract review manageable, with and without AI assistance.
How to Write a Due Diligence Memo for M&A
The due diligence memo is the primary deliverable that translates contract review into deal intelligence. This guide covers the structure, content standards, and practical techniques for writing diligence memos that partners and clients actually use.
Understanding Fraudulent Transfer Analysis
Avoidance action analysis.
How to Review Limited Partnership Agreements
LPA analysis and negotiation.
How to Review Cannabis License Requirements
Cannabis regulatory compliance.
Understanding Comfort Letters and Auditor Requirements
Auditor comfort letters in securities offerings.
How to Handle Worker Classification Issues
Employee vs. contractor.
How to Handle Material Non-Public Information
MNPI policies and procedures.
The Lawyer's Guide to REIT Compliance
REIT qualification requirements.
How to Review Document Productions Efficiently
Efficient document review strategies.
How to Review Equity Compensation Plans
Equity plan documentation.
How to Review RSA Agreements
Restructuring support documentation.
The Lawyer's Guide to Underwriting Agreements
Understanding underwriting agreement terms.
The Complete Guide to Tax Due Diligence
Tax diligence in M&A.
Understanding CFIUS Filing Requirements
CFIUS review process.
Understanding China Outbound Investment Rules
China foreign investment.
How to Review IT Systems in Technology M&A
IT due diligence for technology acquisitions.
The Lawyer's Guide to Arbitration Proceedings
Commercial arbitration procedures.
How to Handle I-9 Compliance Reviews
Immigration compliance.
How to Negotiate Indemnification Provisions
Master negotiating indemnification baskets, caps, and survival periods.
How to Review Equity Award Agreements
Stock option and RSU terms.
The Lawyer's Guide to 363 Sales
Bankruptcy asset sales.
How to Handle Energy M&A Transactions
Energy sector M&A.
How to Analyze Tax Provisions in M&A
Tax aspects of acquisition agreements.
The Lawyer's Guide to Tender Offers
Tender offer rules and procedures.
The Lawyer's Guide to Golden Parachute Analysis
Change of control payments.
How to Review Plan of Reorganization
Reorganization plan analysis.
How to Review Hotel Franchise Agreements
Hotel flag requirements.
The Guide to Foreign Corrupt Practices
International anti-corruption.
Understanding CAM Reconciliation
Common area maintenance charges.
Understanding Intercreditor Agreements
Creditor coordination.
How to Structure Tax Equity Investments
Tax equity structures.
How to Negotiate IP Provisions in M&A
IP terms in acquisition agreements.
How to Prepare for Trial: Complete Checklist
Trial preparation and organization.
The Guide to Telecom Regulatory Compliance
FCC regulatory requirements.
How to Handle Tax Controversy Matters
IRS audit and appeals.
Understanding Class Action Certification
Class certification requirements and strategy.
The Complete Guide to Chapter 11 Proceedings
Bankruptcy reorganization overview.
How to Handle Cross-Border Data Transfers
International data privacy.
The Lawyer's Guide to Secondaries
Secondary transaction structures.
Understanding Mixed-Use Development Issues
Mixed-use project documentation.
The Complete E-Discovery Checklist for Litigators
E-discovery planning and execution.
Understanding Pay Equity Compliance
Equal pay requirements.
How to Handle Utility Rate Cases
Rate case proceedings.
The Complete Guide to EU Merger Control
EU competition clearance.
Understanding ILPA Guidelines
Institutional LP standards.
The Lawyer's Guide to Middle East Transactions
Middle East deal considerations.
How to Review Net Operating Loss Limitations
NOL usage and restrictions.
The Complete Guide to FIRPTA Compliance
Foreign investment in real property.
How to Review Collective Bargaining Agreements
Union contract analysis.
The Complete Guide to GP Commitments
General partner commitment structures.
Understanding Wage and Hour Due Diligence
FLSA compliance review.
The Guide to Offshore Wind Projects
Offshore development documentation.
The Lawyer's Guide to Sanctions Compliance
OFAC and sanctions review.
Understanding International Tax Structures
Cross-border tax planning.
Understanding SEC Registration Requirements
Guide to SEC registration and filing requirements.
Understanding Protective Orders
Confidentiality in litigation.
The Buyer's Guide to Material Adverse Change Clauses
Understand MAC clauses from the buyer's perspective.
How to Prepare Witnesses for Depositions
Witness preparation techniques.
The Lawyer's Guide to REIT Tax Requirements
REIT qualification.
Understanding FDA Regulatory Pathways
FDA approval processes.
The Lawyer's Guide to Interconnection Agreements
Grid connection terms.
Understanding Liquidation Analysis
Liquidation value assessment.
The Guide to Executive Separation Agreements
Executive termination terms.
Understanding Carbon Credit Transactions
Carbon offset documentation.
The Lawyer's Guide to Open Source Compliance
Open source license management.
How to Review Convertible Securities Terms
Analyzing convertible note and preferred terms.
How to Review Midstream Agreements
Pipeline and gathering contracts.
The Complete Guide to Healthcare Regulatory Compliance
Healthcare compliance overview.
The Guide to Shelf Registration
Shelf registration statements and takedowns.
How to Analyze Title Commitments
Title insurance and examination.
Understanding DIP Financing Structures
Debtor-in-possession lending.
How to Draft Risk Factors for Securities Offerings
Writing effective risk factor disclosures.
How to Handle Fund Restructurings
GP-led secondaries and continuations.
How to Conduct HIPAA Due Diligence
HIPAA compliance review.
How to Structure Rights Offerings
Rights offering mechanics and documentation.
How to Negotiate Subscription Agreements
Capital commitment documentation.
How to Conduct Portfolio Company Diligence
Portfolio company review process.
Understanding Zoning and Land Use Diligence
Zoning compliance review.
How to Handle SEC Comment Letters
Responding to SEC staff comments effectively.
Understanding Expert Witness Requirements
Expert witness selection and management.
How to Review Customer Contracts in M&A
Analyze customer contracts for change of control provisions.
How to Conduct Distressed M&A Diligence
Distressed transaction diligence.
How to Handle LP Advisory Committees
LPAC governance and operations.
How to Handle IP in Joint Ventures
IP ownership in collaborations.
The Litigation Hold: Implementation Guide
Creating and managing litigation holds.
How to Conduct Financial Due Diligence
Step-by-step financial due diligence from QoE to working capital.
How to Conduct Patent Due Diligence
Patent portfolio review in transactions.
How to Review Employee Handbooks
Policy documentation review.
The Guide to PE Fund Economics
Management fees and carry.
Understanding Section 382 Limitations
Ownership change limitations.
The Lawyer's Guide to SOX Compliance
Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
How to Conduct Software IP Diligence
Software code and license review.
How to Evaluate Patent Validity
Patent validity and invalidity analysis.
The Lawyer's Guide to IP Litigation
IP enforcement strategies.
The Lawyer's Guide to Standard Essential Patents
SEP licensing and FRAND.
How to Analyze Waterfall Calculations
Distribution waterfall mechanics.
How to Handle India Cross-Border Deals
India investment considerations.
How to Draft Effective Ancillary Documents
Creating employment, consulting, and non-compete agreements.
How to Handle Environmental Permitting
Energy project permitting.
How to Conduct Insurance Due Diligence
Reviewing insurance coverage in M&A transactions.
How to Handle Tax Elections in M&A
Section 338(h)(10) and other elections.
Understanding Withholding Tax Requirements
Withholding compliance.
How to Review Forbearance Agreements
Forbearance documentation.
Understanding Energy Trading Agreements
Energy trading documentation.
Understanding International Employment Issues
Cross-border employment.
How to Conduct Securities Due Diligence
Due diligence process for securities offerings.
How to Structure a Private Placement
Private placement structuring and documentation.
How to Structure Management Incentives
Management equity and incentives.
How to Structure Spin-Off Transactions
Tax-free spin-off requirements.
The Complete Guide to Employment Agreement Review
Executive employment terms.
The Complete M&A Due Diligence Checklist for 2026
A comprehensive checklist covering financial, legal, operational, and HR due diligence.
How to Structure IP Indemnification
IP indemnity provisions in contracts.
Understanding Exit Strategies for PE
IPO, sale, and recap exits.
How to Analyze Case Law for Trial Prep
Legal research for trial preparation.
Understanding Copyright Licensing
Copyright license structures.
Understanding Executive Compensation Structures
Compensation package analysis.
How to Analyze EPC Contracts
Engineering and construction terms.
How to Handle Multi-Currency Transactions
FX considerations in deals.
How to Manage Multi-District Litigation
MDL coordination and management.
Understanding Key Person Provisions
Key person clauses and triggers.
How to Structure Retention Agreements
Key employee retention.
The Lawyer's Guide to Side Letters
MFN and side letter management.
How to Review Government Contract Compliance
Government contractor rules.
How to Conduct Environmental Regulatory Review
EPA compliance assessment.
Understanding Settlement Agreement Provisions
Settlement documentation and terms.
The Guide to Easements and Access Rights
Easement documentation.
How to Conduct Employment Due Diligence in M&A
HR diligence process.
The Guide to Automatic Stay Issues
Stay relief and exceptions.
How to Review Partnership Tax Allocations
Partnership tax mechanics.
The Complete Guide to MD&A Disclosure
Management discussion and analysis requirements.
How to Review an Asset Purchase Agreement: Key Provisions
Learn the critical provisions in asset purchase agreements.
How to Review Tax Sharing Agreements
Intercompany tax allocation.
The Complete Guide to Out-of-Court Restructurings
Workouts and forbearance.
How to Address Open Source in M&A
Open source issues in transactions.
Understanding Representations and Warranties in M&A
A guide to reps and warranties, including scope and survival periods.
How to Manage Large-Scale Document Reviews
Managing high-volume document productions.
The Complete Guide to Energy Storage Projects
Battery storage documentation.
How to Structure Holding Company Structures
International holding structures.
How to Draft a Prospectus
Creating effective prospectus documentation.
How to Analyze Non-Compete Agreements
Restrictive covenant review.
The Complete Guide to Real Estate Financing
Mortgage and mezzanine structures.
How to Conduct Treaty Analysis
Tax and investment treaties.
Understanding Subscription Credit Facilities
Subscription line financing.
How to Analyze Employee Matters in Acquisitions
Employment due diligence from executive agreements to benefit plans.
How to Handle Antitrust Review in M&A
Navigating HSR filings and antitrust considerations.
How to Handle Appellate Briefs
Appellate brief writing and argument.
How to Handle PE Fund Reporting
Investor reporting requirements.
The Complete Guide to Cross-Border M&A
International transaction overview.
How to Analyze Trademark Portfolios
Trademark portfolio assessment.
Understanding Trade Secret Protection
Trade secret identification and protection.
Understanding Rule 10b-5 Liability
Securities fraud and disclosure liability.
How to Handle CFPB Regulatory Matters
Consumer financial protection.
The Buyer's Guide to Litigation Risks in M&A
Assessing litigation exposure in acquisitions.
Understanding Antitrust Compliance Programs
Competition law compliance.
How to Review International Arbitration Clauses
Arbitration provisions.
How to Structure Sale-Leaseback Transactions
Sale-leaseback mechanics.
Understanding Real Estate Joint Ventures
JV structures and documentation.
How to Prepare for an IPO: Legal Checklist
Complete legal checklist for IPO preparation.
How to Review Technology License Agreements
License agreement analysis.
Understanding Working Capital Adjustments
How working capital mechanisms work in M&A.
The Complete Guide to M&A Closing Conditions
Understanding closing conditions and satisfaction.
How to Review Co-Investment Arrangements
Co-invest documentation.
Understanding Tax-Free Reorganization Requirements
Section 368 requirements.
The Complete Guide to FAR/DFAR Requirements
Federal acquisition regulations.
How to Handle Tax Insurance Products
Reps and warranties insurance.
How to Evaluate IP Assets in Technology M&A
Assess IP ownership, encumbrances, and risks.
How to Conduct Effective Legal Research
Research strategies and tools.
How to Conduct Environmental Due Diligence in M&A
Environmental review process for acquisitions.
How to Handle Executory Contract Analysis
Assumption and rejection decisions.
Understanding State Privacy Law Compliance
CCPA and state privacy.
How to Review Material Contracts in M&A
Identifying and reviewing key contracts in acquisitions.
Understanding Tax Treaty Benefits
Treaty analysis and claims.
Understanding Renewable Energy Tax Credits
ITC and PTC analysis.
Understanding Patent Term Extensions
PTE and SPC strategies.
Understanding Plan Confirmation Requirements
Confirmation standards.
How to Review Financial Services Compliance
Financial regulation review.
How to Review Construction Contracts
AIA contract analysis.
How to Handle Employment Claims in M&A
Pre-closing employment issues.
Understanding Foreign Investment Restrictions
FDI regulatory review.
How to Review International Joint Ventures
Cross-border JV structures.
How to Analyze Creditor Priority
Claims priority and waterfall.
The Lawyer's Guide to 409A Compliance
Deferred compensation rules.
The Lawyer's Guide to Tax Indemnification
Tax indemnity provisions.
Understanding GDPR Compliance Requirements
EU data protection.
Understanding Decommissioning Obligations
End-of-life asset obligations.
How to Prepare Disclosure Schedules That Protect Sellers
Seller's guide to comprehensive disclosure schedules.
The Lawyer's Guide to BSA/AML Requirements
Anti-money laundering compliance.
How to Handle FINRA Compliance Issues
Broker-dealer regulation.
Understanding ERISA Compliance Requirements
Benefit plan compliance.
Post-Merger Integration: Legal Considerations
Key legal considerations for post-merger integration.
How to Conduct FCPA Due Diligence
Anti-corruption compliance.
How to Handle Product Liability Compliance
Product safety requirements.
The Lawyer's Guide to Motion Practice
Motion drafting and argument strategies.
How to Review Fuel Supply Agreements
Fuel procurement contracts.
The Complete Guide to IP Assignment Chains
Chain of title documentation.
How to Draft Effective Discovery Requests
Crafting interrogatories and document requests.
Understanding WARN Act Requirements
Plant closing notification.
Understanding Escrow and Holdback Mechanisms
A guide to escrow arrangements and closing mechanics.
How to Conduct Energy Regulatory Due Diligence
Energy regulatory review.
How to Review LATAM Investment Structures
Latin America transactions.
How to Conduct Multi-Jurisdiction Due Diligence
Multi-country diligence.
Understanding Estoppel Certificate Requirements
Tenant estoppel process.
Understanding Patent Claim Scope Analysis
Analyzing patent claim coverage.
How to Review Cybersecurity Compliance
Security standards and frameworks.
Understanding Purchase Price Mechanics
How purchase price is determined and adjusted.
Understanding APAC Regulatory Requirements
Asia-Pacific deal requirements.
How to Review Debt Indentures: Key Covenants
Analyzing covenant packages in debt instruments.
The Lawyer's Guide to Preference Actions
Preference analysis and defense.
Understanding Export Control Regulations
ITAR and EAR compliance.
How to Handle Inter Partes Review
IPR strategy and procedures.
The Lawyer's Guide to LNG Projects
LNG project documentation.
How to Handle Tenant Improvement Allowances
TI negotiation and documentation.
How to Structure Credit Bid Transactions
Credit bidding mechanics.
Understanding Regulation S and Rule 144
Resale restrictions and safe harbors.
The Complete Guide to PE Fund Formation
Fund structuring and documentation.
How to Review SNDA Agreements
Subordination and non-disturbance.
The Lawyer's Guide to SPAC Transactions
Special purpose acquisition company mechanics.
Understanding Blue Sky Laws and State Securities
State securities law compliance requirements.
The Guide to Summary Judgment Motions
Summary judgment strategy and drafting.
The Complete Guide to Severance Arrangements
Severance plan structures.
How to Review Power Purchase Agreements
PPA terms and structures.
How to Conduct Rent Roll Analysis
Tenant and lease analysis.
How to Handle Claims Trading
Trading in bankruptcy claims.
How to Handle UK Transaction Requirements
UK M&A considerations.
How to Review Property Management Agreements
Property manager contracts.
The Lawyer's Guide to Ground Leases
Ground lease structures.
Understanding Privilege Review Best Practices
Privilege identification and logging.
The Guide to IP Portfolio Management
Managing IP assets strategically.
The Complete Guide to Project Finance Documentation
Project finance structures.
Understanding FERC and State PUC Requirements
Energy regulatory compliance.
How to Review Transfer Pricing Documentation
Transfer pricing compliance.
How to Conduct Environmental Due Diligence
Phase I and II ESA review.
How to Review O&M Agreements
Operations and maintenance contracts.
How to Manage the Signing-to-Closing Period
Best practices for the period between signing and closing.
How to Handle Utility and Critical Vendor Issues
Essential service payments.
The Complete Guide to Commercial Lease Review
Commercial lease analysis.
How to Handle Real Estate Closings
Closing procedures and documentation.
How to Review a Stock Purchase Agreement: Section-by-Section Guide
A detailed walkthrough of every section of a stock purchase agreement.
How to Structure an Earnout: Best Practices
Structure earnouts that align buyer and seller interests.
How to Handle Third-Party Subpoenas
Responding to third-party discovery.
How to Conduct State Tax Due Diligence
State and local tax review.
The Guide to Consolidated Return Rules
Affiliated group taxation.
Understanding Freedom to Operate Analysis
FTO studies and clearance.
How to Structure Add-On Acquisitions
Platform and add-on strategy.
How to Structure Exit Financing
Post-emergence financing.
Understanding Management Company Arrangements
GP and management co structures.