Drafting Clearer Contracts

In the transactional world, contract drafting is an essential skill. But traditional contract drafting consists of copying, on faith, precedent contracts of uncertain quality and relevance. It follows that traditional contract language is full of archaisms, redundancies, chaotic verb structures, and misconceptions as to the utility of commonplace usages. And because contract drafting has consisted of copying, drafters have traditionally done without formal training or rigorous guidelines.

An antidote to that dysfunction is Ken Adams’s “Drafting Clearer Contracts” seminar.

This one-day course is a uniquely rigorous overview of the building blocks of contract language and common sources of confusion. The focus is not on what you say in a contract, but how to say clearly and concisely whatever it is you want to say.

It is suitable for all levels of seniority, as much of what Adams has to say comes as news to even senior contracts professionals—don’t expect him to recycle the conventional wisdom! It’s structured to encourage discussion, with participants analyzing examples and doing short drafting exercises.

Although Adams is based in New York, his guidelines apply internationally. This course will feature examples drawn from English contracts and discussion of issues particularly relevant to English contracts professionals.

What was learnt

• How to make your contracts clearer and more concise
• How to save time and money in drafting and negotiating
• How to reduce the risk of disputes
• Problems to look out for when reviewing the other side’s drafts
• How to facilitate change in contract drafting