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Beyond the Boilerplate Presented by: Jay LeMoine and Christian Petersen March 20, 2012
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Overview Drafting Strategies Contractual Terms Remedies Survival
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Aspects of Contract and Terminology C Clear Comprehensible Correct
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Aspects of Contract and Terminology C Critical Cool?...
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Dreams Gone Wrong
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Clarity Understanding: context intent user/reader
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Comprehensible Standard Language respecting complex concepts clear and comprehensible ≠ “simple” standard usage rather than legalese
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Comprehensible Loaded Language what do the “fancy” words mean? does the reader understand them? is there another way to say it?
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Comprehensible The Myths “tried and true”
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Correct Getting It Right precision of language the “too hard” pile does the right have a remedy? do you need a remedy?
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Correct Getting It Wrong the problem with precedents the tyranny of time the conundrum of cost
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Key Contractual Concepts
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Term and Termination After full performance of terms In accordance with its terms Agreement between the parties Reasons outside the contract Breach
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Types of Contractual Terms Three types of terms: conditions warranties innominate (or intermediate) terms
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Types of Contractual Terms Characterization depends on the true construction of the contract Type of term determines remedy
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Conditions Most important type of term Not conditions precedent or subsequent Does it go to the root of the contract? Breach gives right to terminate
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Warranties The lesser promises in the contract Breach does not permit termination must continue performing Innocent party has right to sue for damages
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Innominate Terms Classification of term cannot be done in advance Remedy should correspond with consequences Did the breach deprive of substantially the whole benefit?
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Identifying Conditions Legislatively imposed Expressed in contract Intention of parties
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The End of Fundamental Breach Created to address unfairness of exclusion and limitation of liability clauses Divorced from the intention of parties Created confusion Tercon
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Repudiation “words or conduct evincing an intention not to be bound by the contract” Election to treat contract at end Must communicate election Need not communicate reason/can be wrong Parties obligations are at an end
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Anticipatory Repudiation Not every anticipatory breach gives election Must elect soon but not immediately Must give notice May change mind - right to terminate vanishes
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Remedies for Breach of Condition Innocent party may: Accept repudiation obligations at end; sue for damages; or restitution but not specific performance
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Remedies for Breach of Condition Affirm contract obligations continue; can sue for damages and/or specific performance Waive breach
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Affirmation vs. Waiver Waiver excuses the breach Estoppel arguments Affirmation: preserves the rights and obligations must be ready, willing and able to perform
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Restitution Innocent party can claim value of benefits conferred on breaching party non profitable contracts damages are unprovable recovery of non-monetary benefits Old rule: required “total failure of consideration”
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Rescission voids contract restores parties to the position in which they stood before the contract was entered into often result of misrepresentation but can be available for breach of contract
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Terms that Survive the Breach Liquidated damages Entire agreement Limitation clauses Non-solicitation/non-competition clauses Confidentiality clauses Enforceable if contract not rescinded
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