A question with a decision behind it.
“Which scope and approval governed this change?” is a reviewable question. “Find everything wrong with the project” is not a boundary. Identify the project, the choice in front of you, the important dates and what could change that choice.
For counsel, the useful output may be a locator map rather than a conclusion. For an owner, it may be a condition that still needs checking. For a family office, it may be whether a reported portfolio exception is supported by the underlying project records.
The review leaves the source visible.
We organize a source index, distinguish issued records from drafts, join events by explicit identifiers and record the limits of the reviewed set. The chronology separates event time from document and collection dates. The brief distinguishes the source’s account from interpretation.
Missing evidence is described with its search boundary. A missing approval in the collection is not automatically an unauthorized act. A signature is tested against purpose, authority, scope and conditions. Contrary records and competing explanations stay in the account.
Start without sending the whole archive.
Prepare the decision question, a list of record types, the page estimate, known custodians and any urgent deadline. Describe sensitive material rather than placing it in a general form or first email. Do not send passwords, identity documents, privileged advice or unrelated personal information.
The handling route and the readable record subset are agreed separately. An estimate above 100 pages does not automatically expand or accept the fixed scope.
Know when a different adviser is needed.
The review is not legal advice, representation, an expert-witness opinion or an unlimited investigation. Public-record purchase fees, interviews and ongoing investigation are excluded from the fixed offer. Technical standard-of-care, legal rights, limitation periods and recoverability need qualified professional advice.
Do not wait for this review before addressing a safety concern or asking counsel about a deadline. Scope acceptance and confirmed payment are separate states. The agreed delivery date is confirmed at acceptance under the offer terms.