Contract Law

Experienced California Contract Law Attorneys

Contracts are one of the most basic legal structures that make it possible for people to form dependable business relationships, conduct business transactions and obtain reliable property rights. When they are well crafted they create a solid agreement and process for the parties which leads to a successful outcome.

When they are boilerplate download forms or previous contracts which have been edited by the parties they become the source of a high volume of litigation forcing a judge or independent arbiter to determine the intent of the parties and the genuine “benefit of the bargain” each expected.

At the Watkins Firm, we carefully craft and negotiate effective contracts which are designed to support our client’s goals and objectives. When a dispute arises, we vigorously protect our client’s rights in contract litigation.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today or call us at our offices in San Diego at 858-535-1511.

What is a Contract?

Contracts are the basis of most transactions, business relationships and legal issues, but what exactly is a contract? A contract is an agreement between persons, parties or entities that consists of an “offer”, “acceptance” of the offer, and “consideration” to the “offeror”.

The offeror extends an offer to do something which usually includes a clear description of what is being offered, where and when the transaction is to take place, and what will be exchanged between the parties.

General contract law requires that the offer is accepted without modification, and that “consideration” is given to the offeror in return for their commitment to fulfill the terms of the offer.

Contracts which involve the sale of “goods” (versus the sale of services or real estate for example) are governed by separate laws that fall under the Uniform Commercial Code or UCC. If the value of the goods to be exchanged exceeds $500 in value, the agreement must be in writing in order to be enforceable.

Contract laws and the Uniform Commercial Code are quite complex, and in general these statutes cover how contracts are to be structured, the responsibilities of the parties (usually the “buyer” and the “seller”), the rules that will govern the performance of the contract, as well as provision for what constitutes a “breach of contract” and the remedies available to the parties when a contract is in breach.

How can you ensure your contract(s) fulfill all of the requirements of Federal commercial codes and California’s complex business and commercial laws?

Avoid the risks of downloaded incomplete and non-California compliant forms or modifying your own agreements and contact the experienced contract attorneys at the Watkins Firm or call us today for a complimentary and substantive consultation at 858-535-1511 prior to entering into any agreement of substance or importance.

San Diego Breach of Contract Attorney

One of the most common challenges a San Diego business will face is a breach of contract. What happens when you are the party who has suffered the breach? What actions should you take to protect your business objectives and legal position and mitigate the damages?

Breach of contract is all about the damages. What should you do if your business has faced a challenge which may cause a breach of contract?

The Watkins Firm has decades of experience in breach of contract cases and will help you to negotiate an effective “work-around” or resolution.

Additional Contract Related Content:

Business Contracts

Asset Purchase Contracts

Stock Purchase Agreements

Buy-Sell Agreements

LLC Operating Agreements

Partnership or LLC Buy/Sell Agreement

Trade Secret Protections

Pursuing Your Goals Through Contract Drafting and Negotiation

When you are entering into a contract, it is important to be sure that it accomplishes your goals to the greatest extent possible. This not only means candid (and sometimes tough) negotiations with the other party. It means carefully crafting an agreement which can be legally enforced if necessary while not burdening your position with excess liability.

California’s commercial and business laws are the most complex in the nation. Downloaded contracts from form websites or modifying a contract you used previously opens you a substantial amount of risk and the genuine likelihood of business litigation.

What Types of Contracts Can the Watkins Firm Provide and Help to Enforce?

Business Formation and Operational Contracts

Contracts Associated With Employment

Breach of Contract

A breach of contract occurs when either or both of the parties to a contract fail to live up to their commitments and therefore the parties cannot achieve the “benefit of the bargain.”

Experienced San Diego Contract Attorneys

We are familiar with the applicable provisions of California contract law, as well as federal laws that can have an impact on contractual relationships. We are experienced at drafting many different types of contracts, including those involving contracts between individuals.

Holding Other Parties to the Contract

The interpretation of contracts is one of the most commonly disputed legal issues. If you have a contract dispute with another business or individual, it is important to consult a lawyer who is prepared to take a unique approach specifically designed to achieve a positive result in any dispute or litigation (or, if required by the contract, alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration).