David Simon Co-Authors Article Exploring Negotiation Techniques for Lawyers

Foley & Lardner LLP partner David Simon and Professor John Burrows co-authored the Wisconsin Lawyer article, “Becoming a Great Negotiator: Six Tips for Lawyers.”

In the article, the authors explore how lawyers can optimize results for their clients through strong negotiation techniques. Their advice includes these six tips for improving a lawyer’s negotiation skills:

1. Know your negotiation style, diversify by developing other styles, and build complementary negotiation teams.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
3. Favorably anchor the negotiation.
4. Consider the structure, setting, and timing of the negotiation.
5. Look for opportunities to create value, not just divide a fixed pie.
6. Think like a lawyer, consider post-deal risks, and craft solutions to mitigate those risks.

“Lawyers are almost always good negotiators, but the thoughtful and strategic application of these six tips can help them become great negotiators, creating more value for their clients and sustainable resolutions,” the authors conclude.

The article also appeared as part of the University of Oxford Saïd Business School’s Oxford Answers series.