Contract law training

Lesson 1 • Classifying Contracts by Form and Effect

Contracts vary by form—written, oral, implied—and by legal effect—void, voidable, unenforceable. Correct classification determines available remedies.

Lesson 2 • Sources and Types of Contract Law

Common law, statutory law, and commercial codes each govern different contract types. Recognizing the applicable source prevents misapplication of rules.

Lesson 3 • Core Principles Governing Contracts

Freedom of contract, good faith, and certainty are the pillars shaping every agreement. Understanding these principles guides interpretation of ambiguous terms.

Lesson 1 • Elements of a Valid Offer

An offer must be definite, communicated, and show intent to be bound. Distinguishing offers from invitations to treat prevents costly formation errors.

Lesson 2 • Special Formation Scenarios

Auctions, tenders, and online transactions present unique formation challenges. Applying standard rules to these contexts ensures accurate legal analysis.

Lesson 3 • Rules of Acceptance

Acceptance must mirror the offer, be communicated, and comply with prescribed methods. The mirror-image rule and postal rule are analyzed with practical examples.

Lesson 1 • Exceptions and Alternatives to Consideration

Promissory estoppel and deed execution substitute for consideration in specific contexts. Recognizing these exceptions prevents wrongful denial of enforceability.

Lesson 2 • Capacity to Contract

Minors, mentally incapacitated persons, and corporations have limited contracting capacity. Identifying capacity issues early prevents unenforceable commitments.

Lesson 3 • Intention to Create Legal Relations

Commercial agreements presume legal intent; domestic and social ones do not. Rebutting these presumptions requires clear evidence of contrary intention.

Lesson 1 • Exclusion and Limitation Clauses

These clauses restrict liability and must satisfy incorporation and reasonableness tests. Drafting them correctly is critical to their enforceability.

Lesson 2 • Express and Implied Terms

Express terms are stated; implied terms fill gaps by law, custom, or necessity. Distinguishing them determines what obligations actually bind the parties.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Contract Interpretation

Courts use objective, contextual, and purposive approaches to resolve ambiguity. Applying these principles helps drafters write clearer, dispute-resistant contracts.

Lesson 1 • Misrepresentation

A false statement of fact inducing a contract may be fraudulent, negligent, or innocent. Each type carries different remedies, from rescission to damages.

Lesson 2 • Mistake in Contract Law

Common, mutual, and unilateral mistakes can void or vitiate agreements. Distinguishing operative from non-operative mistake determines the legal outcome.

Lesson 3 • Illegality and Public Policy

Contracts that violate law or public policy are unenforceable to varying degrees. Severance may save valid portions when only part of a contract is tainted.

Lesson 1 • Frustration of Contract

Frustration discharges both parties when an unforeseen event makes performance impossible or radically different. Its narrow scope and statutory consequences are examined.

Lesson 2 • Breach of Contract

Breach occurs through non-performance, defective performance, or anticipatory repudiation. Identifying breach type determines the innocent party's immediate options.

Lesson 3 • Discharge by Agreement and Operation of Law

Parties may discharge obligations through accord, novation, waiver, or merger. Statutory limitation periods also extinguish the right to enforce stale claims.

Lesson 1 • Equitable Remedies

Specific performance and injunctions compel or restrain conduct where damages are inadequate. Their discretionary nature and bars to relief are analyzed.

Lesson 2 • Limiting Principles on Damages

Remoteness, mitigation, and contributory conduct cap recoverable damages. Applying these principles accurately prevents over- or under-compensation.

Lesson 3 • Damages: Principles and Calculation

Compensatory damages aim to put the claimant in the position performance would have achieved. Expectation, reliance, and restitution measures are compared and applied.

Lesson 1 • Risk Allocation and Force Majeure

Force majeure clauses allocate risk for events beyond party control. Drafting and invoking these clauses correctly is critical in volatile commercial environments.

Lesson 2 • Assignment and Novation of Contracts

Rights may be assigned; burdens generally cannot without consent. Novation replaces a party entirely and requires agreement from all original parties.

Lesson 3 • Ethical Obligations in Contract Practice

Professionals owe duties of candor, confidentiality, and conflict avoidance in contract work. Ethical compliance protects clients and preserves professional standing.

Lesson 4 • Contract Dispute Strategy and Management

Strategic choices—negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation—affect cost, speed, and relationships. Selecting the right path requires integrating legal and commercial judgment.