Much of what our clients do centers on an “agreement” between two or more parties that is embodied in a written document; a contract. The enforceability of a contract is at the cornerstone of our legal system. It is our belief that a clearly worded and complete agreement will minimize if not prevent problems in the future. Once grey areas are eliminated, the parties to an agreement know exactly what is expected of them.
We advise our clients on all facets of their contracts. This starts with either the preparation of contracts on behalf of our clients or the review of contracts that involve our clients but were drafted by another firm. These include purchase and sales agreements, acquisition contracts, employment agreements, buy-sell agreements, purchase and sale of real estate, purchase or lease of equipment and buildings, service contracts and inter-local operating agreements between governmental agencies (ESDs) and similar agencies. We treat each situation uniquely and draft an agreement to best serve our clients.
If prepared by another firm and brought to us by a client we revise, negotiate and evaluate these contracts on behalf of our clients. If a contract is already in place, we evaluate the agreement and the situation then advise our clients in all matters related to the agreement and how it affects the issue at hand. This could be our clients’ obligations under the agreement, the length of the agreement, limitation of actions, insurance requirements, and, when advisable, termination of a contract.
While a few people are still able to operate with a handshake and their word, in today’s complex business world it is more necessary than ever that the written word be accurate and complete. Our clients now do business locally, internationally and over the Internet in ways never dreamed of a few years ago. It is our job to assist and protect them as much as possible.