Louisiana Contract Law Firm

Contracts are an integral part of doing business.  It goes without saying that businessowners should read the fine print.  Before entering into an agreement, you should negotiate the terms to further your business goals.  To guarantee that the terms are enforceable and to appropriately reflect your understanding of the transaction, we utilize precise, unambiguous wording.  Contracts that are properly designed assist our customers in avoiding future lawsuits that may result from miscommunications over the terms of performance.

If you are entering into a contract in Louisiana, be sure to retain the services of an experienced business law attorney.

Contract Requirements

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that establishes a duty to perform or not perform.  Contracts serve a number of functions and are the cornerstone of many interpersonal and professional interactions.

A contract needs to fulfill a number of conditions in order to be enforceable by law.  Consideration must be exchanged by both parties.  Consideration is something of worth or value, usually money or a service.  Essentially it requires a quid pro quo.

Legal parties must enter into the contract; it cannot be enforced against someone who lacked the legal capacity to do so.

One party cannot be forced to violate the law by the contract; it must have a legitimate purpose.

Contract Drafting and Review

Our business law attorneys provide drafting and preparation services.  Contract drafting is the process of putting an agreement’s terms and conditions into a legally binding document.  It’s crucial to confirm that the contract is legally binding and appropriately reflects the intentions of the parties.
Our business law team can frame your agreements from our bank of contracts, and then tailor the pertinent clauses to reflect the agreement at hand.  At signing, it is important to explain the terms in a clear and concise manner so that everyone knows what they are signing.  Our contracts indicate which laws apply and how business disagreements will be settled in the contract.

It is also important to consider language choice.  Words such as “may” and “shall” can have huge impacts on the interpretation of a contract.  Courts will interpret “may” to mean something permissive or discretionary, while “shall” means something mandator.

Common Contracts We Prepare for Businesses

• Lease agreements
• Equipment lease agreements
• Purchase agreements
• Sales agreements
• Bill of sale
• Purchase order
• Employment agreement
• Independent contractor agreement
• Licensing contract
• Vendor agreements
• Service contracts
• Promissory notes
• Shareholder agreements
• Buy-sell agreements or buyout agreements
• Non-compete agreements
• Non-solicitation agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• confidentiality agreements
• Privacy agreements
• Joint venture agreements
• Real estate transactions
• Construction contracts
• Insurance policies
• Warranties
• Security agreements
• Terms of use
• Memorandum of understanding
• Contract Amendments

Contract Negotiation

A good contract does not favor a single party.  Both parties should be fairly represented and shielded from unfavorable consequences.  Negotiations are typically necessary to reach such an accord.  Our team of knowledgeable lawyers will carefully examine your contract with an astute legal eye and negotiate advantageous terms on your behalf to guarantee that your own demands are satisfied and your interests are safeguarded.

A business lawyer can clarify how the terms of the contract could affect your business, personal, and legal interests.  We can also offer guidance on risk allocation and liability mitigation.

Our lawyers can argue for you and collect evidence to back up your claims.  A contract lawyer can ensure that the contract complies with applicable laws and regulations.  A business lawyer can help you choose between competing offers.  A lawyer can assist you in comprehending the objectives and concerns of the other party. 

The process of negotiating a contract is intricate and may include a variety of tasks, such as examining the original proposal, making revisions and counteroffers, negotiating terms and conditions, performing due diligence in the areas of law and finance, examining and editing the draft contract, and executing the agreement.

New Orleans Contract Lawyers

Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC is a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our experienced contract lawyers can assist with the preparation, review, and negotiation of all your contracts.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us.