A Boston Contract Lawyer Discusses Business Law & Contracts
General Counsel Law represents companies and organizations of all sizes, from private consultants to large international corporations. General Counsel Law provides the range of legal services needed by sophisticated organizations to compete and grow, as well as comply with applicable laws. General Counsel law recognizes that business relationships need to be formalized by contracts that bind customers, consultants, employees, and other strategic partners. As a Boston contract lawyer, Mr. Plante regularly drafts, reviews, negotiates, and enforces diverse private and governmental contracts and agreements for various clients. Do not be left exposed because simple but customized and tailored contract language is overlooked for boilerplate language. General Counsel Law’s contractual solutions are tailored to the particular transaction and prioritize the needs of your particular business.
Employment Contracts
The most important role of an employment contract is to set expectations for both parties. Employees understand what is expected of them and are aware of their rights. Employers are clear on their obligations regarding compensation and benefits while having a clear picture of job duties. Some key elements of employment contracts include the following:
- Job responsibilities. Any employment contract should make it clear what an employee is expected to do as part of their job. While this doesn’t need to include step-by-step guidance of the role, it should provide some level of detail.
- Compensation. Another critical aspect of any employment contract is an explanation of compensation and benefits. This goes beyond salary, as the agreement should spell out things like health insurance, 401k matching, and paid leave.
- Termination and Severance. It is also helpful for contracts to spell out how the employment relationship can come to an end. This might include mutual rights to terminate the contract at any time, or it could be for a set term. The agreement should also detail issues like notice periods and severance pay.
Each of these factors is an important consideration for an employment contract. A Boston contract lawyer can evaluate your situation and help you determine how best to proceed. Not only does the right contract ensure there are no disputes or disagreements about the basic terms of employment, but these agreements can also help ensure compliance with state, local, and federal law. What’s more, they are invaluable tools for protecting proprietary information and client lists.
Contract Disputes
A well-drafted agreement can avoid most problems between parties, but there is always the potential for contract disputes. Having the support of strong legal counsel is crucial in these situations. Some of the most common types of disputes include:
- Breach of Contract. A breach of contract occurs when an agreement is broken. Some breaches are minor and easily resolved, while others are significant enough to render the entire contract meaningless. For example, a breach might involve failing to deliver promised goods or making required payments.
- Fraud. Contracts are built on both parties acting in good faith. Disputes can arise when one side makes false misrepresentations.
- Ambiguity. One of the most unfortunate causes of friction is ambiguous terms in a contract. This is where a poorly drafted agreement can come back to haunt you.
The good news is that a Boston contract lawyer can resolve these disputes in various ways. While litigation is necessary in some situations, there are often alternatives. We can negotiate with the other side to reach an adequate resolution. In some situations, the best path forward might involve alternative dispute resolution options like mediation or arbitration. The right attorney can provide you with options and guide you through the court system step by step.
Business Contracts
Agreements between businesses are frequently put into writing. This is done primarily to avoid any ambiguity that could lead to disputes in the future. Often, agreements with third parties are critical to a company’s operations.
Many companies rely heavily on vendor support for supplies, inventory, and equipment from retailers to restaurants. Vendor contracts are vital not only to set the terms of the deal but also to provide each party with options when the other fails to uphold its side of the bargain. Vendor contracts can also include quality standard terms, pricing, or delivery details.
Just like with employment contracts, companies might also require each other’s representatives to sign non-disclosure agreements. When companies work closely with each other, it is possible that they can exchange proprietary information or trade secrets. These agreements can help protect those competitive advantages.
Not all business contracts are intended to assist with ongoing operations. One of the most important agreements involves purchasing or selling a company to new owners. In addition to contracts related to these transactions, Boston contract lawyer can work out buy-sell agreements that determine how and when partners and co-owners can sell shares when they choose to retire.
Legal Representation
Businesses of all sizes can use the support of skilled legal counsel when drafting, enforcing, or litigating legal agreements. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure the terms of the contract are followed to the letter.
When you hire our firm, we are prepared to handle everything related to the agreement. This starts with drafting and reviewing the document to ensure it meets your needs and complies with the law. When contracts violate state or federal law, they can be ruled unenforceable. This is a primary risk that comes with attempting to draft an agreement on your own or using a form found online.
There is also the issue of regulatory compliance to consider. Depending on the nature of the business and the contract itself, regulatory issues may need to be addressed. Failure to do so could result in costly fines or other punitive actions.
Having an attorney is most important when it comes to resolving disputes. While many issues can be ironed out without the need for litigation, that is not always the case. Having the support of a legal team can make the difference between getting the outcome you deserve and being saddled with a breached contract and no recourse or compensation.
Not all attorneys are the same. When you look for legal counsel, your best option is to find a Boston contract lawyer with experience drafting and reviewing contractual agreements. The length of a lawyer’s career does not mean anything if they are practicing in areas of the law that are unrelated to your needs.
Contact a Boston Contract Lawyer to Learn How General Counsel Law Can Help
At General Counsel Law, we offer guidance and support on all contract-related issues. From drafting documents to litigating disputes, our team is here to ensure your rights are protected. Instead of trying to resolve these issues on your own, give yourself the best chance at a positive outcome. Reach out to General Counsel Law today for a confidential consultation with a Boston contract lawyer.