Advanced English Contract Law

In response, Euromoney Legal Training has created this 2 day practical and essential introduction to English contract law, focusing on the main concepts needed to make, amend, understand, enforce and end an English-law international commercial agreement. We look at contract formation, interpretation, implied terms, remedies for breach and termination, explaining the legal concepts underlying the legal drafting. The course is highly interactive, with practical exercises and examples based on real contract terms. For those who learned their English contract law a while ago, the course provides a structured and practical refresher. For others, it gives a concentrated but accessible introduction, leaving participants better able to handle English-law contracts. If you are not an English lawyer, but work with English-law contracts, this is a course you cannot afford to miss. Who should attend? In-house counsel Legal advisors and consultants Contract managers International lawyers
Day 1 Sources of English Contract Law We review the origins of English contract law in cases and statutes. Topics covered include: Sources of English law How to look up cases and legislation on the internet Where can you find current English law? Advantages and drawbacks of English law for international contracts Making the Contract Essential elements of an English contract Negotiations “subject to contract” Formal requirements Informal contracts Standard terms and the “battle of the forms” Contract Interpretation We review the latest law on contract interpretation, including: The modern approach Business sense Literal meaning Older rules and maxims of interpretation (eiusdem generis, contra proferentem, expressio unius) Top tips for avoiding ambiguity in contract drafting Implied Terms We review the modern approach to finding implied terms, including: Terms implied as obvious or necessary Making business sense of the agreement Interaction between express and implied terms Statutory implied terms Can you exclude implied terms? Day 2 Changing the Contract We look at ways to change a contract after it is executed, including: Inserting a date Correcting mistakes Changing the parties Changing the terms Rectification Remedies for Breach Enforcing performance Damages Liquidated damages and penalties Interest Set-off Termination We review the law and the practical options for a party faced with delay or default in performance, including rights under a termination clause, and apply them in a case study. We look at: Conditions, warranties and innominate terms Termination clauses The choice: whether to terminate How to terminate. Waiver and affirmation: loss of the right to terminate Practical exercise: We review and apply the principles covered in this course, in a case study or game