Most clients, in fact I think every client, wants you to take control. They’re hiring you because you have expertise that they don’t have… So tell them. Tell them. Don’t hem and haw. Don’t sort of equivocate. Say, here’s what you should do. – Jim Donovan
Goldman Sachs Managing Director Jim Donovan shares his insights on the skills required to work on corporate transactions as a lawyer or investment banker.
Drawing from his vast experience in the field, he highlights the importance of both tangible and intangible skills, the dynamic nature of the job, and the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with clients.
Table of Contents
- The dynamic nature of corporate transactions
- Tangible skills for success
- Intangible skills that matter
- Balancing intensity with personal time
- The power of empathy
- Transitioning within finance
- Embracing dynamism
- Gaining experience with multiple transactions
- The importance of relationships
- Handling curveballs in deals
- Advising against a deal
- Prioritizing quality work
The dynamic nature of corporate transactions
Working on corporate transactions is exciting and dynamic.
Each deal is different, offering new challenges and preventing the job from becoming routine.
The work is intense and requires a lot of time and energy, but it is mostly rewarding and fun in hindsight.
Tangible skills for success
The tangible skills necessary for success in this field include interpersonal skills, quantitative abilities, an interest in business, discretion, the ability to handle confrontation, and putting the client first.
These skills equip professionals to handle the technical aspects of the job, be detail-oriented, communicate effectively, anticipate client needs, manage time efficiently, and adapt to unexpected challenges.
