Mandate Enquiries
The first contact should be brief, non-sensitive and focused on the decision.
What to include
An initial enquiry should identify only the organization, the broad decision or matter, the relevant jurisdictions and expected timing. This is normally enough to consider whether the matter may fit the advisory scope and whether a further conversation is appropriate.
If a possible conflict or adverse party is already apparent, identify it at a high level without sending underlying evidence. Do not use the first message to provide a detailed factual record.
Keep first contact non-sensitive
Do not send confidential, privileged, classified, personal or market-sensitive material. Do not attach confidential documents, personal datasets or commercially sensitive underlying evidence.
Receipt of an enquiry does not create an engagement or confidential relationship. Ordinary email is not treated as confidential merely because a message is sent.
What happens next
The sequence is intentionally simple: a non-sensitive enquiry; a proportionate fit and conflict review; appropriate confidentiality and an agreed information channel where the matter can proceed; and then a written scope and engagement discussion.
If the matter is suitable, Valistros proposes the next diligence and scope discussion after the initial review. References and a redacted work sample may be made available during diligence where relevant and permitted.
Review the Engagement Standards, and use the contact details below to begin a non-sensitive enquiry.
- Initial enquiry
- Fit and conflict review
- Confidentiality and agreed channel
- Written scope