I have been doing some reading and I think I'm starting to understand both roles in an M&A deal:
- Bankers handle the financial modelling/number crunching side of things and the valuation. They also advise on strategic opportunities for their client (along with consultants)
- Lawyers can also advise on strategic aspects of the deal but this is through the lens of providing legal advice e.g. how can they structure a deal in the best way for their client. In this way, lawyers can add a lot of value to their clients
- Trainee solicitors are usually involved in legal due diligence e..g evaluating the legal risks of a deal whereas bankers might be involved in financial due diligence - although that's usually where accountants/consultants do.
- Lawyers draft the documents for the acquisition to make sure it is legal - this is crucial for the execution of the deal
I think lawyers are often seen as being secondary to a deal, but I don't think that's necessarily true. Lawyers can use the law to give clients a competitive advantage and are crucial to executing a deal/minimising the risks. I think that's the kind of thing we can talk about what we're interested in.