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Lawyer as Wise Counselor
Hazard, Geoffrey
Hazard, Geoffrey
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Abstract
When I was a neophyte lawyer many years ago, I was asked to analyze a commercial lease between our corporate client, the lessee and occupant of the property, and a local landowner who was the landlord. Occupancy of the space had ceased to be useful and the client wanted out. The issue I addressed was whether a particular clause could be read as permitting the lessee to escape. In today's vocabulary, the analysis would be described as "aggressive." The memorandum was then reviewed by a senior partner, who was in charge of the relationship with the client. He rejected the conclusion, saying: "I don't think that's the right way to read the lease. The client made the deal, and it ought to stick with its bargain." The client was advised accordingly.