Contract Writing Course Essentials
Background on Contract Writing Course
A contract writing course generally introduces participants to the essentials of contract law, familiarizing them with the practical steps involved in developing a comprehensive agreement. Depending on the level of training, such a course might also cover drafting guidelines based on the type of contract, such as a lease or sale of goods, and organizational and enforceability considerations.
Even if a person has never had formal legal training in contract writing, she may benefit from courses on the subject if she is likely to be involved in drafting them. With technology making contract composition easier than ever , contract drafting is becoming more and more common across industries. For example, if businesses routinely utilize templates for their contracts, employees who do not have legal training may need to be involved in drafting the documents. In these cases, a course on contract writing may benefit employees by giving them the legal background they need to protect their company while also helping them learn about best composition practices.
Courses offered in contract writing vary widely in length, level of coverage and approach to teaching. Some people may benefit from comprehensive courses spanning several weeks, while those who simply want an introduction to the topic may better learn with a shorter class.
What Skills Do You Learn in a Contract Writing Course?
One of the primary benefits of participating in contract writing courses is the myriad skills that you learn along the way. First and foremost amongst these skills is the necessity to understand and correctly use key legal terms, whether that be something as simple as defining the words "liable," "indemnify," or "be liable to indemnify" in your contract, or defining the key purpose of the document and the scope of the transaction in question. Doing this properly will make it far less likely that the contract in question will need to be revised further down the line, and also helps to ensure that the person or company you are negotiating with will not come back to you later with unnecessary and contradictory interpretations of the contract already in place. It also allows you to provide a clear path of action for anyone reading the contract after you, which is a skill set that can be useful in the legal field in many different areas. For example, clear and precise wording is important for drafting wills.
In addition, setting the right tone in the contract is an important skill to master at this point. A contract is a legal document, and it should certainly always include the appropriate legal language. However, it is also a tool to be used in negotiations, and as a result you’ll be learning how to gauge the tone of the contract to make sure it reflects the sort of deal you have reached with the other side. It will also help you maintain a strong negotiating position. If your contract is too friendly, it may make you look less serious about your demands. If it’s too aggressive, it may turn the other side off from working with you entirely.
Finally, mastering the drafting of clear contract clauses will make your life (and the life of everyone else involved) much simpler. A poorly written clause can eventually lead to serious misunderstandings and problems that may need to be worked around later on. Clear and well-defined clauses cut out this potential issue entirely, and allow all parties involved to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. This clarity is important not only for the sake of avoiding legal woes, but also from a business perspective.
Different Types of Contract Writing Courses
When it comes to contractual agreements, the proverbs "the devil is in the details" and "good fences make good neighbors" rings true. We are often reminded of the importance of contracts during negotiations or deal-making processes. Having the right contract template, whether for a partnership, sale, purchase or rental of property, is crucial to any transaction.
With the advent of the Internet, we can find template contracts for almost any purpose. However, it is important to take aside a moment to learn the principles behind writing a legally binding contract for one’s specific needs. Contract writing is a skill that can be mastered with the right training, supplemented with online resources.
There are many courses on contract writing available online and in more traditional settings, from professional training bodies to organizations. Other legal organizations, schools and institutes not listed here also offer courses.
Online courses
From the comfort of your own home or office you can learn how to write contracts easily. Most courses start with the basics for beginner writers, but advanced courses are readily available.
Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations from around the world to offer courses online. They have a course on contract law by Northwestern University’s School of Professional Development. The course is taught by Professor Laura Hinkle and comprises four modules including lectures. The course is free to audit, but a fee is charged to receive a certificate upon completion. Those interested in taking the course should register beforehand as deadlines may apply.
YouTube
YouTube offers numerous videos on this topic. The University of California Irvine has made videos led by Dr. Kevin M. Cleary, PhD. It covers the basics of a contract in seven videos.
Udemy
Udemy provides course by Adam Ereli for beginners to intermediate learners called "Introduction to Basic Contract Law and Contract Drafting". He takes you through the basics of a contract, what constitutes a valid contract, and goes on to cover the elements of a solid contract and the techniques for drafting. He discusses real-world applications throughout the course, bringing the theory to life. The course is not available for free, but Udemy offers discounts which may be applied.
Classroom courses
Several reputable institutions, associations and training bodies offer contract writing skills training in a classroom setting. These include:
The AICM
The Australian Institute of Credit Management offers a six-month Certificate IV in Contracting and Procurement program which covers the regulations and legalities involved in writing a contract. Lessons include assistance with contract management, negotiation skills and a practical exercise which simulates the negotiation and contract management process. The cost of the course is AU$7,500.
Southwestern Law School
The online law school located in Los Angeles, California offers a course entitled "Contract Construction & Interpretation" taught by Professor Rick Hazeltine as part of its Paralegal Online Certificate Program. Participants learn the fundamental rules of contract interpretation and discover how to apply them to written instruments. They also learn the concepts of performance, breach, damages as well as key principles and defenses of contract construction and interpretation. The course costs $295 and takes approximately 13 hours to complete.
Susan Munroe
Co-founder of Munroe & Chambliss, a Texas-based professional consulting and training firm, Susan Munroe offers a three-day workshop on expert business writing skills. The course covers contract and proposal writing in addition to report and technical writing skills. Adult learning styles are incorporated in the course, which includes panelists and guest industry experts. The cost of the course is $795.
How to Pick the Right Contract Writing Course
Choosing the Right Course for Contract Writing
Before you commit to a course, it is worth setting out the criteria you should follow when choosing a contract course to attend. These criteria will help you choose the course that suits you best in terms of location, content, instructor, duration and cost.
If money is no object, short courses are often offered by universities who will deliver the course on their campus. These courses are often taught by lecturers and include assignments to be completed with grades awarded for content. The final assignment may be included in your portfolio after the course. Fees for such university based courses can be very high indeed and most probably represent an expense better incurred by the firm as a whole on training courses rather than on a single delegate. These courses will often take place over two or three consecutive days.
Other options include distance learning courses provided by some universities. These courses are usually more expensive than those offered, for example, either on a day release basis or in the evening, as they have a number of small assignments to be completed during the course . You will be assessed on your completion of the course and will receive a mark. This may or may not be added to your portfolio. You may also receive a certificate for completing a distance learning course. The advantage of such a course is that you are in control of the pace and nature of your learning. Your other commitments determine how quickly you progress through the material. There is usually a degree of flexibility in the deadlines you are required to meet.
An alternative to university distance learning courses is the option of signing up for a course with a course provider. Some of these are subject-specific – for example, legal drafting – others will include general material dealing with different types of contracts. These are offered by institutions, trade bodies and professional organisations. The course material is usually available online. You will receive a version of the course once you have signed up, but you will not receive a certificate unless you pay for this when you sign up.
Selecting a course will involve balancing all the options available in relation to your own circumstances and requirements.
Contract Writing Course Jobs
A strong command of contract language can propel an individual into various career paths. Professionals with the skills gained in a contract writing course are sought after by corporate legal departments, contract management firms, and even as independent consultants. Legal departments in all sectors rely on adept contract drafters to create and negotiate complex agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing risks associated with contractual obligations. Contract management firms, often working on an outsourced basis, hire skilled contract writers to develop, review, and manage contracts for their clients’ business transactions, helping to create efficiencies and reduce legal risks.
Freelance and consultancy opportunities are also abundant for those with expertise in contract language. Lawyers, business development specialists, and other professionals with a background in contract law and negotiation can supplement their income through freelance contract consulting. These individuals may be called upon to assist with specific contract elements, offer strategic guidance through contract negotiations, or handle the end-to-end contract drafting on a project basis.
Regardless of the path taken, contract writing courses undeniably open doors to a range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities designed to protect and ensure fluid business transactions.
The Advantages of Taking Contract Writing Courses
Beyond career advancement, writing better contracts opens doors to various professional endeavors. Lawyers and professionals with strong contract writing skills are often entrusted with significant projects and collaborations. This foundation of expertise makes one a valuable team member, whether as a legal expert or as a general counselor through negotiation efforts within the firm or corporation. Additionally, a well-drafted contract can be the subject of a new publication or a great starting point for a case settled out of court.
Even if a student does not want to practice law or take on a legal position, contract writing skills are immensely valuable . The ability to create sound legal documents not only earns respect among peers, but also provides the necessary knowledge to sort through the fine print of both personal and business contracts.
Whether enrolling in a class to pursue a new career or simply gain a deeper understanding of contract law, students find real professional benefits when skilled contract writing skills are used. Not only can students showcase their skills successfully, but they are also able to reduce the risk of legal action within their personal and business lives. A little preparation at the beginning of a new business relationship can save tremendous amounts of lost time and money if a dispute arises.