Contract Law matters consist of the following elements:
- Two or More Parties, who can be any combination of businesses and/or individuals.
- An Agreement where the parties want to record the specific terms of an arrangement in writing. No matter the purpose, a written agreement ensures that there are no misunderstandings concerning each party’s obligations. Moreover, as the parties are currently on the same page, it’s useful to come to an understanding regarding what happens if their relationship is less amicable in the future.
Contract Law: JFB Law Representation
John F. Baker represents discerning individuals and businesses that want to ensure they get what they deserve. Whether it’s the party that is drafting the document or merely looking for someone to review and negotiate changes to it, JFB Law has been honored to serve individual and business clients in Aurora, Illinois, and surrounding communities such as Naperville, Oswego, Wheaton, and Warrenville over the last decade for matters such as:
Contracts where two or more parties want to memorialize their agreement. JFB Law is adept at reviewing and negotiating agreements, as well as drafting contracts people can read and understand.
Employment Agreements detail the terms of compensation for an employee. In addition to details concerning pay and benefits, these contracts often include language that restricts certain behavior during (and sometimes after) the term of your employment, so it’s essential to understand what you’re signing and make sure there are no surprises.
Sub-Contractor Agreements are ideal when you want to define terms with a subordinate business without creating an official employee/employer relationship. As Sub-Contractors interact with your clients directly, it’s important to establish parameters for acceptable behavior and professionalism as well as define your working relationship so far as things like invoices and estimates are concerned.
Non-Disclosure Agreements restrict individuals or businesses from sharing certain information. This is essential when protecting proprietary information like formulas or client lists as well as special operating procedures or manufacturing methods. Typically, these provisions are included as part of a larger contract, however they can be drafted as a stand-alone agreement.
Non-Compete Agreements restrict individuals or businesses who you have a working relationship with from offering similar or competing services. The terms of these agreements define the types of services that are restricted as well as a time period and geographical area in which they are forbidden. Though these provisions are usually included as part of a larger contract, there are certain situations where you would want to draft one as a standalone agreement as well.
Lease Agreements detail what is in essence a ‘long-term rental’ for property, typically real estate. When approaching a lease, parties tend to fixate on the cost and the duration, then not worry about the rest. However, lease agreements contain many details that are essential to both sides. JFB Law is experienced at drafting or navigating others’ often bloated contracts to highlight and negotiate what matters to you.
Contract Law: What Matters to You
You deserve a lawyer that understands what’s at stake for you or your business. More than that, you deserve an advocate that fights to secure the right agreement for your future. It’s hard to plan for eventualities that you’ve never considered, that’s why you need a counselor with a wealth of experience in these matters. As fellow businessowners, we want to make sure that you understand what you’re signing and get a fair deal.
Here are the most common concerns we see:
Why do I need this? As discussed above, the main reason for having a written contract is to protect both parties in an agreement. In the event that there’s a disagreement or lawsuit in the future, it’s essential for there to be a specific record of the parties’ contract. Additionally, contracts that clearly state the obligations of the parties are easier to understand and adhere to in order to prevent things from even getting to that point.
Is a verbal agreement enough? Though verbal (or “handshake”) agreements also have the force of law, these contracts rely on the parties to accurately remember (and report) what was said. Accordingly, when cases that center around verbal agreements are litigated, judges frequently have no choice but to rule somewhere in the middle between the parties’ points of view. As such, you can see why a written contract is preferable.
I signed something and am confused what it means. JFB Law is happy to review any agreements you or your business are a party to in order to answer any questions about compliance or obligations. Explaining the law to people is a passion of John’s!
Am I getting a fair deal? Without additional context, it’s impossible to say. That having said, we’d be happy to discuss your situation with you and review any offers or contracts that are pending. As part of our representation, we can conduct additional research so far as market rates and compensation to determine and advocate for what is fair.
How much does this cost? For transactional work like this, we charge an hourly rate, so the overall cost is determined by how complex the documents are/how much work there is to do. For example, drafting or reviewing a longer contract will cost more than a shorter one. Similarly, an agreement that is largely decided will require less negotiation than a brand new one. Contact us for a consultation and we can give you a personalized estimate based on the work that you need performed
Can I get sued? If you don’t abide by the terms of a contract, yes, this is a distinct possibility. There are a number of factors that go into the decision to file a lawsuit though, such as the damages you are seeking to recover. At the end of the day, the best way to protect yourself from getting sued is to understand the contract you sign and abide by the terms. If you don’t agree with the terms, don’t sign the contract in the first place! Please take a look at our Breach of Contract page for more information on JFB Law’s practice in this area.
Let’s Discuss Your Needs
Having practiced the law for over thirteen years, you find that everyone wants the same things: to be heard, for justice to be done, and to have peace of mind. By detailing the terms of an agreement and planning for a series of eventualities, contracts give you that peace of mind. While no one can guarantee that the other party will hold up their end of a contract, you have a clear recourse to get justice. If you or your business needs or has questions about a contract, call us at (630) 801-8661 and tell us how we can help.
