The Deal Drinks With The Deal: Holland & Knight's August on Advising Growth Companies
Aug 7, 2025
Adam August, a partner at Holland & Knight, specializes in M&A and government contracts for growth companies. He dives into how his JD/MBA enhanced his legal practice and discusses the lessons learned from his bankruptcy clerkship, which inform his M&A advisory work. Adam shares insights on the regulatory nuances of government contracts and highlights his approach to building long-term client relationships. He also reflects on pivotal transactions like the $1.3B Azure Summit sale and shares his strategies for maintaining work-life balance through tennis and downtime.
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MBA As A Legal Value Multiplier
- Adam used an MBA to complement legal work and better understand corporate clients.
- He says business training helps add value beyond pure legal advice.
Clerkship Taught What Happens When Firms Fail
- Adam clerked for a bankruptcy judge and learned what happens when businesses fail.
- He uses that experience to counsel clients and negotiate around insolvency risks.
Bankruptcy Knowledge Is Strategic In M&A
- Bankruptcy knowledge helps even when clients are healthy because counterparties can be distressed.
- It also enables buyers to acquire assets free and clear of liens and encumbrances.