Over the past 12 months, several court decisions have provided valuable guidance for negotiating and drafting contracts. We also provided some of our own tips. Below is a brief summary:
Contract Management
In July, we discussed a survey that found businesses are struggling to keep up with contract management. For instance, 65 percent of the respondents had more than 1,000 active contracts, but they are rarely stored in one place. The failure to properly monitor and manage key business contracts can have significant consequences on your bottom line. As we enter the New Year, it is advisable to make plans for an annual contract review.
The Value of Silence
In August, we highlighted that silence is one of the simplest yet most frequently overlooked contract negotiation strategies. Among the many advantages, remaining quiet compels the other party to reinitiate the conversation. Most people will offer additional information intended to convince you to accept their offer. However, if they want to close the deal badly enough, the other party may even offer more favorable terms without you having to propose them.
Drafting consumer contracts
In September, the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that arbitration clauses in consumer contracts must explicitly express that the party is forfeiting the right to sue in court. If not, the agreements will not be enforced. The state’s highest court reasoned that “an average member of the public may not know—without some explanatory comment—that arbitration is a substitute for the right to have one’s claim adjudicated in a court of law.”
The Importance of Proofreading
In October, we discussed a multi-million dollar lawsuit arising out of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which may come down to the placement of a comma in an insurance document. The lesson — always proofread your contracts (and then do it again for good measure).
Crypto Securities Law: When Tokens Become Investment Contracts
The application of traditional federal securities laws to crypto assets continues to evolve. In some cases, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considers tokens and other digital assets to be securities. This makes them subject to federal securities law, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This classification has […]
The Due Diligence Process for NY Condominiums and Cooperatives
While the New York City real estate market can be extremely competitive, moving too quickly often backfires. Before purchasing a condominium or cooperative in New York City, it is important to do you homework. Purchasing property in NYC can involve a dizzying number of legal issues. These include condo and co-op rules, rent restrictions, and […]
Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain
Smart contracts feature a unique blend of legal agreement and technical code. This innovation has the potential to reshape how business is conducted. At the same time, smart contract legal issues around enforceability, jurisdiction, identity, and compliance are common. The legal framework for these self-executing agreements is still evolving. What Are Smart Contracts? Smart contracts, […]
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
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