A contract is basically an agreement in writing between two or more parties to do or avoid doing a certain thing. It established the professional relationship, services rendered, and each party’s responsibilities and rights under the law.

Both people and businesses enter into contracts all the time, rather it’s signing a lease agreement, a bank loan, a purchase order, or a corporate structure. Some are relatively simple while others are extremely complex. Others are virtually incomprehensible, like the fine print on a credit card application. The problem arises when someone believes the contract looks simple enough or basically glances over it before signing it, without studying each party’s obligation. Not paying attention to all the details can put a business or an individual at risk.

If you are in the fortunate position to be the one responsible for having a contract drawn up, you can gain the protection you need from the start and make sure your best interests are paramount. Edward Reyes approaches the preparation of every agreement with a keen eye for what’s required to withstand judicial scrutiny and a rigid attention to detail and deep insight into the laws that can come into play. The types of contracts The Reyes Firm prepares include:

• Asset Sales
• Banking Matters
• Bulk Sales
• Business Agreements
• Business Development Matters
• Business Mergers & Sales
• Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Issues
• Construction Law
• Corporate Matters
• Deceptive Trade Practices
• Employment & Independent Contractor Issues
• Employment Agreements
• Limited Liability Company Agreements
• Limited Partnership Agreements
• Mortgage Law
• Non-Compete Issues
• Partnership Agreements
• Real Estate Law
  Review & Preparation of Financing Documents
  Secured Transactions
  Shareholder Agreements
  Stock Sale Agreements
  Third Party Vendor Contracts

When a business lawyer like Edward Reyes review a contract presented to you by another party, there are several things that he’s focused on:

• Making sure that all parties are clearly identified and that each other’s expectations, risks, rights, and obligations are concisely expressed.
• Ensuring it clearly defines the services or scope of work to be performed, as well as the time frame for delivery, payment terms, and how change orders should be conducted.
• Watching out for overly broad language, such as the use of the word “timely”, which can be misconstrued to mean many things. Instead, specific dates, time periods, contract duration, deadlines, and more details outlined in the contract should leave no doubt about what’s expected.
• Determining the liability and indemnification provisions that can protect either party from any loss arising from the transaction. It should be very clear about what constitutes non-compliance or default and what remedies would exist if that happens.
• Making sure that the contract protects proprietary or confidential information or intellectual property rights.
• Paying careful attention to any restrictions that can hinder a client’s ability to conduct business.

A good contract is not only the bedrock of most business transactions, it also protects the interests of businesses so they can continue to flourish. Signing an agreement that is unclear or ambiguous can put all of your hard work in jeopardy. To have Edward Reyes expertly review or prepare your next contract, call 813-421-3411.