At the end of the year, there's always a rush. Instead of bringing things to a close, contracts need to be signed quickly. At least one LOI/MoU, NDA is not enough - for reasons, of course.

As a legal advisor, I have noticed this in recent years: The larger the company, the less likely such spontaneous actions are to succeed!

Current: A software topic with one of the world's largest software manufacturers suddenly gets a boost, there is a ramp-up, the week is filled with meetings; many and long meetings. It seems simple: "We've already done something similar with them in the past. We're basically doing the same thing now with just a few differences." Then the meetings are accompanied by contracts from the past; many and long contracts.

2 weeks until Christmas!

I would like to point out that this project - like other ad hoc projects shortly before Christmas - may not be effective and could be more stressful than uplifting for the employees. In addition, my commitment to the company ends at the end of January 2024 and a contract of this size is unlikely to be negotiable within this time, with the result that another lawyer will then be able to fully familiarize themselves with the matter.

But the management always has its own plans - and I am paid per hour for this mandate. So it's all good?

Jain.

Even if the remuneration of a project lawyer is the top priority - he is a legal business mercenary - the quality of a service always depends on the added value created for the company. In my experience, however, such added value does not materialize when attempts are made to force services towards the end of the year, especially since such projects always involve a large number of people on both sides. At the end of the day, every company has to judge for itself whether the (personnel) expenses are still in proportion to the project during spontaneous pre-Christmas tests of strength.

Have a relaxing Advent season!