When I negotiate in a hostile environment I take the position of holding the moral high ground and ‘stay on message’ creating evidence of a narrative of holding the moral high ground. Most of the time we are punished or sued for honest errors, and get away with our most dishonest and immoral plans. The secret of legal success is holding the moral high ground and betting that the jury will side with you for doing so. I usually go all in and risk the jury. When my peers (board) disagree with me, they lose. Always. I never do a deal where I think I might get sued where I can’t construct a narrative of holding the moral high ground. And the secret is … largely, because you always try to actually do so. its simply the optimum business strategy. There will always be people who think your errors are plans, and don’t see the immoral plans you either did or didn’t take. But build a reputation for never surrendering, favoring litigation, and holding the high ground and it works.