50
50 Years of Legal Experience
CPA since 1970
Lawyer Since 1973
30+ Years of Entrepreneurial Experience
Direct Attorney Access
Business Contracts Written for the Relationship, Risk, and Result
Legal strategy should reflect the transaction, the commercial relationship and the owner's long-term goals.
Contracts Tailored to the Actual Deal
Template language can create a false sense of security. A useful agreement must reflect the parties, the payment structure, the scope of work, the timing, the assets involved, and the risks that are most likely to arise.
Arthur begins with the business purpose of the agreement. He then develops or revises the contract so the legal terms support the intended relationship.
Business Agreements Arthur Can Address
- Business-to-business and master services agreements
- Construction contracts, including AIA forms and custom agreements
- Consulting and professional service agreements
- Independent contractor and employment agreements
- Commission, referral, and sales representative agreements
- Confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements
- Software licensing, technology licensing, and SaaS agreements
- Royalty, distribution, supplier, and manufacturing agreements
- Work-made-for-hire and intellectual property assignment agreements
- Indemnification, hold harmless, waiver, and release provisions
- Purchase and sale agreements for businesses or business assets
Contract Drafting
When Arthur drafts an agreement, he identifies the business objectives, the obligations of each party, the decision points that require approval, and the events that could cause delay, loss, or dispute.
The final document should be understandable to the people responsible for carrying it out.
Contract Review
A contract review should identify more than unusual wording. Arthur evaluates payment terms, termination rights, liability limits, indemnification, warranties, ownership of work product, confidentiality, dispute procedures, and other provisions that affect the client’s exposure and leverage.
He explains the practical effect of the language and identifies points that may require negotiation.
Contract Negotiation
The goal of negotiation is not to win every clause. It is to protect the client’s priorities while preserving a commercially workable agreement.
Arthur can communicate directly with opposing counsel or help the client prepare a focused response and negotiation strategy.
Prevent Problems with Contract Administration
Even a strong agreement can fail if the parties do not follow it. Businesses should use consistent procedures for approvals, change orders, notices, invoicing, documentation, and renewals.
Arthur can help companies improve the internal practices used to manage their contracts after signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Arthur review a contract before I sign it?
Yes. Early review gives the client an opportunity to understand the obligations, identify risks, and negotiate important terms before becoming legally committed.
Can a verbal agreement be enforceable?
Some verbal agreements may be enforceable, but the result depends on the subject, applicable law, and facts. Written agreements usually provide clearer evidence of the parties’ expectations.
What should a business contract include?
The required terms vary. Most agreements should clearly identify the parties, scope, payment, timing, responsibilities, ownership, confidentiality, liability, termination, and dispute procedures.
Does Arthur handle construction and technology contracts?
Yes. Arthur has experience with construction agreements, software and technology licensing, SaaS agreements, consulting contracts, and other industry-specific commercial documents.
Can Arthur revise a contract provided by the other party?
Yes. He can mark proposed revisions, prepare an issues list, draft an addendum, or negotiate the agreement, depending on the engagement.
Review the Agreement Before It Controls the Relationship
Important contract terms are easier to address before the agreement is signed and before a dispute develops.
Send Arthur a brief description of the transaction and the type of contract you need reviewed or prepared.
