Contract Drafting and Negotiation for Business Executives and Other Non-Lawyers

Contract Drafting and Negotiation for Business Executives and Other Non-Lawyers

Dates

1 Week: May 5 - 9, 2025  

2 Weeks: May 5 - 16, 2025                                  

1 Week: June 23 - 27, 2025                              

2 Weeks: June 23 - July 4, 2025

Location

• Cape Town                             
• Johannesburg

Format

 In-Person/Online

Tuition (In Person)

1 Week

$999 pp individual                      

$800 pp for groups of 5+

2 Weeks

$1,500 pp individual                    

$1,150 pp for groups of 5+

Tuition (Online)

1 Week

$600 pp individual                      

$400 pp for groups of 5+

2 Weeks

$800 pp individual                        

$500 pp for groups of 5+

Course Overview

The Contract Drafting and Negotiation for Non-Lawyers course is designed to empower professionals without a legal background with the essential skills and knowledge to draft, review, and negotiate contracts confidently. This practical program demystifies legal jargon, focuses on key contract components, and provides tools to identify risks and ensure agreements align with organizational goals.

Key Highlights:

• Understand the fundamental principles of contract law and their practical application.
• Learn to draft clear, concise, and enforceable contract terms.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and ambiguities in agreements.
• Develop strategies for effective negotiation to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Analyze real-world case studies to apply learning to everyday business scenarios.

1 Week Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Contract Law

• What is a contract? Essential elements of a valid contract.
• Key legal principles: Offer, acceptance, consideration, and enforceability.
• Types of contracts commonly encountered in business.
• Common pitfalls for non-lawyers in contract drafting.

Day 2: Understanding Contract Structure

• Anatomy of a contract: Key sections (e.g., preamble, recitals, clauses).
• Definitions and interpretation clauses.
• Practical workshop: Reviewing and understanding sample contracts.

Day 3: Drafting Clear and Effective Contracts

• Principles of plain language drafting.
• Avoiding ambiguity and ensuring clarity.
• Drafting key clauses: Payment terms, timelines, and obligations.
• Practical exercise: Drafting sample clauses.

Day 4: Contract Negotiation Skills

• Understanding interests vs. positions in negotiations.
• Techniques for effective negotiation: Preparation, persuasion, and compromise.
• Practical workshop: Simulated contract negotiation scenarios.
• Resolving disputes and achieving win-win outcomes.

Day 5: Risk Management and Finalizing Contracts

• Identifying and managing risks in contracts (e.g., indemnity, liability, termination).
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Best practices for reviewing and finalizing contracts.
• Course wrap-up: Key takeaways and Q&A

2 Week Course Outline 

Week 1: Contract Drafting Essentials

Day 1: Introduction to Contract Law

• Overview of legal principles governing contracts.
• Understanding enforceability and common mistakes.

Day 2: Anatomy of a Contract

• Detailed breakdown of contract components.
• Common terms and conditions.

Day 3: Drafting Key Clauses

• Clear drafting of critical clauses (e.g., obligations, warranties, indemnities).
• Workshop: Drafting and reviewing sample clauses.

Day 4: Avoiding Common Drafting Errors

• Identifying ambiguities and inconsistencies.
• Ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Day 5: Practical Drafting Exercise

• Participants draft a basic contract from a given scenario.
• Feedback and discussion on drafted contracts.

Week 2: Negotiation and Risk Management

Day 6: Fundamentals of Negotiation

• Principles of negotiation: Preparation, strategy, and tactics.
• Understanding the other party’s perspective.

Day 7: Advanced Negotiation Skills

• Handling difficult negotiations and resolving conflicts.
• Building long-term business relationships through negotiation.

Day 8: Risk Management in Contracts

• Identifying potential risks and addressing them through contract terms.
• Ensuring clarity in dispute resolution clauses.

Day 9: Complex Contract Scenarios

• Negotiating and drafting multi-party contracts.
• Adapting contracts for specific industries or jurisdictions.

Day 10: Capstone Exercise

• Participants engage in a full simulation: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a contract.
• Course conclusion: Key lessons, presentations, and certification.

This structure balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring participants can confidently handle contracts in their professional roles.