Your Deal Sheet: A Corporate Attorney’s Secret Weapon
Your Deal Sheet: A Corporate Attorney’s Secret Weapon
I’m not sure who tells lawyers to create and update their deal sheets regularly, so luckily, you’ve got me to fill you in. A deal sheet is a document that goes beyond your resume to showcase the transactional work you’ve done—think of it as your personal highlight reel. If you’re interviewing for corporate roles, having a well-crafted deal sheet can make all the difference in demonstrating your expertise and standing out to potential employers.
What is a Deal Sheet?
Think of a deal sheet as your personal highlight reel. It’s a detailed document that lists the corporate deals you’ve worked on, showcasing your experience, expertise, and impact in transactional law. From mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to financings, restructurings, and beyond, your deal sheet provides a deeper dive into your skills than a resume ever could.
Why is it Crucial?
1. It Speaks to Your Expertise
Unlike a resume, which provides an overview, a deal sheet is transaction-specific. It shows potential employers exactly what you’ve worked on—think high-profile M&A deals or billion-dollar financing transactions.
2. It Differentiates You
In a field as competitive as corporate law, your deal sheet sets you apart. It’s a tangible way to demonstrate the value you’ve brought to prior roles and proves you’re more than just a title.
3. It’s a Conversation Starter
Your deal sheet can guide interview discussions. Firms often look for candidates with experience in specific industries or transaction types, and your deal sheet lets them pinpoint how your skills align with their needs.
What Should a Strong Deal Sheet Include?
✔ Your Role: Be clear about your level of involvement—did you draft documents, handle diligence, negotiate terms? This showcases your hands-on experience.
✔ Deal Size and Type: Include transaction sizes and types (e.g., “Lead associate on $300M private equity acquisition”). Be as specific as confidentiality allows.
✔ Industry Focus: Mention the industries of the deals you worked on (e.g., healthcare, tech, energy) to highlight your niche expertise.
✔ Key Highlights: If you can, don’t just list deals—mention any key details or results.
Pro Tips for Crafting Your Deal Sheet
💡 Keep It Organized
Structure your deal sheet in a way that makes sense - chronological order, by deal type or industry, etc. You can use bullet points for clarity.
💡 Update It Regularly
Don’t wait until you’re job hunting to create or update your deal sheet. Add new transactions as they happen so you’re always prepared. I'd imagine that starting one from scratch is overwhelming.
💡 Know When to Customize
If you can, but this isn't always necessary, tailor your deal sheet for specific roles or firms, emphasizing transactions that align with the firm’s practice areas.
A deal sheet is more than just a document—it’s a tool to tell your professional story and showcase the impact you’ve had in the corporate legal world.
At Premier Pursuit, we help attorneys refine their deal sheets to ensure they make the strongest impression. Need assistance creating yours? Reach out to us today and take the next step toward advancing your career!
Martina Ellerbe
Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
201-745-5901
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com
www.premierpursuitllc.com
