The textbook tells us that we need to measure risk and rewards when
deciding on a client (Rufus et al, 2015). This is the first step I would
take in this situation. I understand that he has a reputation of winning
and that would help boost my reputation being part of it. I also
understand that since he only takes wealthy clients, I could see a
sizable payday from this one case. If I do a good job, it could also lead
to other offers from Mr. Leslie for continuing work. However, I feel
that is where the rewards part ends. While I may have a sizable
payday, it could take an extended amount of time to get paid as he is
not reliable in that sense. I also look at how he handles his business. It
appears he treats his staff and other consultants poorly. I feel this
says a great deal about his integrity and professionalism. If he is slow
to provide information that I may need to put together my opinion on
the case, this could affect how I appear. I want to always appear
professional and complete my tasks in a timely manner but not having
the raw data on time can affect that. I may speak to any previous
consultants that he has used to see what they may have to say. I know
they may not be able to tell me much due to confidentiality but if they
are willing to say, it is worth it in the end, I may consider.
In the end, I don't believe there is a way that I would accept this
engagement. I would want to achieve an excellent reputation and feel
that being attached to Mr. Leslie might have the opposite affect. A
good payday is always a bonus but if it takes 6 months, a year for that
to happen, it's not worth it. He may be an excellent lawyer but I would
also prefer to work with good, professional people with high integrity.
Rufus, R., Miller, L., & Hahn, W. (2015). Forensic accounting. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
