Insights & commentary

Working notes on tax, estates, real property, and compliance — written by the partners, for the professionals who advise on them.

practiceNo. 24

Escrow instructions are contracts. Draft them like one.

Most escrow disputes trace back to a single ambiguous line. A short field guide to writing instructions that hold.

February 18, 2026 · 6 min read

firmNo. 23

Every engagement is led by a named partner. No matter is handed down.

How a small practice keeps senior attention on every file without pricing itself out of reach.

February 4, 2026 · 6 min read

advisoryNo. 22

Formation, governance, and the contracts a practice runs on.

The document set a professional practice actually needs on day one — and the three it can wait on.

January 22, 2026 · 6 min read

estatesNo. 21

Instruments that survive the reading of the will.

Estate planning is drafting for a reader who cannot ask you what you meant. Write accordingly.

January 9, 2026 · 6 min read

engagementNo. 20

The retainer letter is the first impression. Make it precise.

Scope, fees, and the quiet clauses that prevent a fee dispute before it starts.

December 19, 2025 · 6 min read

estatesNo. 19

Reading a deed like a title examiner.

Chain of title, marketable defects, and the exceptions that never make it into the summary.

December 5, 2025 · 6 min read