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An open letter to Legal Departments...

"A contract is, simply put, the rules to a fight." - John M. Anderson, Esq. (I feel I've earned the esquire part...below you'll see why)

Now, let's start by saying that contracts are an essential tool in the business world. They create within them an accountability for both parties. The world needs them.

Now...let's discuss Legal Departments....I enter this discussion with reticence....trepidation...years of pent-up frustrations that I must temper with prudence. I'm not real sure who reads this blog of mine, you may have earned your Esq. title a bit more traditionally, and I may need your approval on things soon.

I've seen legal groups work together in a manner that was rather intimidating. I've sat on conference calls where two representatives, one from my company and one from my client, have spoken in a beautiful weaving of mutual beneficence. It was like two parents coming together to make sure that occasionally unruly siblings had guidelines for future reference. This is the legal profession at it's finest...and what I have learned may allow me to place the Esq. at the end of my name....it's not exactly an official honorarium one must earn...not any more.

And then...well, there are those within the legal profession who embody more of the 'unruly sibling' personality type. If you've dealt with them, you know who they are.....if you are one, you probably lack the ability to see it in yourself.

So...to the fine and honorable stewards of the legal profession, I give my thanks. Deals do not get done without you. You earn your pay, and the honorarium of Esquire....kudos.

To those other, not so noble members....keep in mind you guys give your profession the bad name that lesser salesmen give to my profession....so get your shit together.

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