Dr. Allen Nazeri explains how to hire an M&A attorney without overpaying or getting bad advice. Hire a specialist, not a generalist or family friend. Expect to pay 1-4% of deal value on the sell side, or $50,000 to over $1 million on the buy side, depending on complexity.
Questions this video answers
April 19, 2025.
Approximately 1% to 4% of the transaction value.
From $50,000 to over $1,000,000.
Ideally at the Letter of Intent (LOI) stage.
Chapters
Foreign.
Hey there business owners. Thinking about selling your business? One of the most critical decisions you'll make is hiring the right M and A lawyer. Trust me, this isn't the time to cut corners. First off, experience matters. Don't just hire your general business attorney.
Or a family friend.
M and A deals are complex.
You need someone who's been there, done that. Someone who knows how to structure transactions, identify risks and keep things moving.
Generalists can get overwhelmed and that slows.
Down momentum and increases risk.
Next, let's talk money. The fee structure can make a huge difference. Hourly billing? It might not create the urgency you need. Consider a fixed fee or tiered fee structure with performance based incentives. This way your lawyer is motivated to close the deal efficiently. On the sell side, expect to pay between 1% to 4% of the transaction value.
The buyer's side costs can range from $50,000 to over a million.
It's a bigger workload.
Drafting documents, due diligence, regulatory stuff.
It justifies the higher fees. Accessibility is another key factor. Even the best lawyer can drop the.
Ball if they're not responsive.
M and A timelines are tight. Clarify expectations about availability and communication before you commit. Got a family or friend attorney? It's tempting to involve them, but for M and A you need specialized experience. Consider having them in a supporting role while an experienced M and A lawyer leads the charge. Finally, remember, hiring attorneys for M and A is a strategic move.
Bring them in early, ideally at the LOI stage, to weigh in on crucial terms.
And rely on your M and A advisor for referrals. They know the best in the business.
In the end, your attorney's job isn't just to draft documents. They're there to protect your deal.
Choose wisely and you'll set yourself up for success.
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