Key take aways

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal considerations one has to make when dealing with the drafting and negotiation process of international contracts; including the pre-contractual phase. Attending this course will enable you to take a more active role in the international contract negotiation and drafting process.  The course illustrates the monumental impact that “the law applicable to the agreement” has on the interpretation of the (pre) contract.  You will become familiar with the different legal approaches (per jurisdiction) to be taken into considerations when negotiating an international agreement. Furthermore, you will become more aware of the considerable impact these different approaches have on any given international contract. In addition, you will get a better understanding of the contract structure and the clauses used in international contacts. Finally, you will find yourself more familiar with the English terminology used in international contracts. 

Content

• Introduction to international contract law 
• The pre-contractual phase in an international setting- including letters of Intent  
• Analysis of the contract structure and a selection of some of the most important contract clauses in international contracts: 
  • Interpretation clauses 
  • Limitation of liability and liquidated damages 
  • Conformity of goods and services / best efforts 
  • Penalty clauses 
  • Force Majeure & hardship clauses 
  • International dispute resolution 

The course is very interactive and exist of many practical examples and exercises that the participants have to solve together. The teaching takes place in English. 

Target group

The course is specifically designed for solicitors, legal counsels and lawyers that are (or will be) working internationally.  Participants are expected to have a decent legal understanding and a good English skills.

Program

DAY 1
09:30 - 10:15 Introduction

• Personal introduction 
• Course description and method of learning 
• World’s major legal systems 
• Relevant international organizations 
• International negotiation – basics 
• Drafting - basics

10:15 - 11:10 
Governing law and jurisdiction11:10 - 11:30 Coffee break11:30 - 12:15 
Pre-contractual phase12:15 - 13:15 Lunch break13:15 - 14:30
Recitals and battle of forms14:30 - 16:30
Selection of contract clauses

• Introduction
• Interpretation models and interpretation clauses

DAY 2
09:30 - 09:45 
Recap from last session09:45 - 12:30
Selection of contract clauses (continued)

• Limitation of liability clauses  
• Conformity of goods and services 
• Penalty & liquidated damage clauses 

Coffee break at 11:1512:30 - 13:30 Lunch break13:30 - 16:00
Selection of contract clauses (continued)

• Force Majeure and Hardship 
• Confidentiality clauses  
• Choice of law and resolution of international disputes