The Architecture of Deals offers a novel set of tools – a framework of private orderings – to help transactional lawyers accelerate the development of key skills, such as:
- problem-solving techniques in complex transactional environments
- commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills
- deal design structures and strategies
- problem-solving mindset and approach to legal and commercial problems.
A transactional lawyer can use the mental models and strategies in the framework to play a more active role in crafting deals and transactions, and transform from a mere legal expert to a trusted advisor.
The framework also offers educators and learning professionals a novel, interdisciplinary approach to redefining and reimagining legal education and training. At a time of disproportionate focus on technological innovation in the legal industry, The Architecture of Deals is a groundbreaking attempt to drive talent development innovation in what remains a human capital industry.
“Architecture of Deals: Strategies for Transactional Lawyering is a superb analysis of the process by which lawyers add value to their clients’ enterprises and is simply essential reading for any lawyer interested in developing the commercial skills and client relationships on which successful careers are built. The techniques described in detail by Duc Trang in his “Framework” provide a wealth of opportunities for engaging with clients in a profoundly more value-oriented way, which any law firm wanting its young lawyers (and the firm!) to thrive in an increasingly disrupted and competitive market will surely want to deploy. This is an important contribution to the world of transactional lawyering.”
— Neville Eisenberg Senior Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
“Architecture of Deals: Strategies for Transactional Lawyering dissects with precision and insight the perennial conundrum in-house lawyers face on holding the legal line and yet providing practical and pragmatic solutions to the problems of our business clients. Duc Trang, with his multinational legal experience and business acumen, offers a thought- provoking framework and roadmap for transactional lawyers to step outside of their usual box of platitudes and enter the realm of strategic problem-solving.”
— Brian Chi General Counsel, Asia Pacific, IBM
“Architecture of Deals: Strategies for Transactional Lawyering provides a much-needed bridge linking business pragmatism with the technical skills of lawyering. The clarity of concepts and analysis of transactions strong commercial outcomes. A great springboard for lawyers looking to connect more effectively with clients and organisational leaders.”
— Christopher Lee Vice-President & Deputy Group General Counsel, and Regional General Counsel (APAC), Schneider Electric
“The framework presented in Architecture of Deals: Strategies for Transactional Lawyering provides the means for lawyers to understand the commercial underpinnings of a transaction – a critical skill that the legal profession struggles to teach and train lawyers. By mapping the potential business impact of contractual clauses and legal positions, the framework drives up the value and relevance of counsel’s role and advice in a deal.”
— Chad K de Souza Complex Contracting Regional Lead (APAC), Accenture
“Duc Trang is acutely aware of the seismic changes impacting the business of law and the expectations that commercial clients have of their lawyers. Architecture of Deals: Strategies for Transactional Lawyering is the considered product of Duc’s relentless focus to rectify the shortcomings he correctly perceives in the training and preparation we provide to young aspiring lawyers. [His book] redefines and reimagines the education and training that our legal profession sorely requires to understand the business of our clients and what they really need from their counsel.”
— Bob Charlton Head of Region, Asia, Addleshaw Goddard LLP
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