Chapter 44: Summit Partners
If the foyer of Henry's law firm, with its rich colors, dark woods, and leather furniture, gave it a feel of wealth and luxury, then the lobby for Summit Partners, dominated by glass and metal, gave it an air of corporate professionalism. And, unlike Henry's law firm's small, intimate foyer, the Summit Partners' lobby was almost cavernous in comparison. The entire wall containing the ground level entrance was almost entirely composed of tinted windows, giving those waiting within a clear view of the world outside while also providing privacy from those outside. Along the left and right walls were small islands of leather armchairs, with each island separated by planter boxes containing broad-leafed plants, and graced with a tasteful painting on the wall. About two-thirds of the way back from the entrance was a U-shaped desk manned by three attractive young women, and behind them to either side was a bank of elevators.
As Jack and Henry crossed the lobby towards the U-shaped desk, a man stood up from a chair along the wall and called out, "Henry!"
Henry turned and walked towards the approaching man, and Jack followed. The man was taller and slightly slimmer than Henry, but still exuded a sense of vigorous athleticism. Not something Jack had expected from a corporate lawyer drone.
"Dan, how are you?" Henry asked as he shook hands with the man. "Enjoying the life of dry corporate law?"
"Good, good. And you? How's that boring little law firm treating you?" Dan asked in a mild, teasing tone.
"Probably not quite as boring as you might expect." Henry replied. Then he turned to Jack. "Dan, this is Jack, the potential client I mentioned. Jack, this is Dan, my former classmate, and a hell of a good corporate lawyer. He's already a senior associate and I expect he'll make partner long before I do."
Dan and Jack shook hands, then Dan said, "Well, let's head up to my office and then maybe you can tell me what Summit Partners can do for you."
First, Dan had them both sign-in at the desk, then proceeded to the ninth floor of the building. The decor was similar to the lobby, all clean lines, glass, metal, soft white walls, and gray patterned, short pile carpet.
Dan's office had a window with a view of the building across the street, a large glass-topped desk, walls lined with bookcases, and the obligatory two chairs in front of his desk. He also had a couch against the wall opposite his desk, bracketed by two armchairs, with a coffee table between.
Instead of directing them to sit in the chairs in front of his desk, Dan sat in one of the armchairs and waved a hand at the sofa. "Have a seat. Tell me what brings you here."
Jack and Henry remained standing, and Henry said, "I realize this may seem abrupt, but my client will only feel comfortable speaking with you about his matter after you have signed an engagement letter."