Contract law is the underpinning of every business and commercial transaction, whether between partners, associates or customers. Commercial contract law governs whenever a dispute arises between contracted parties, and the substance of your transaction as well as any legal resolution should be contained within the four corners of your written agreement. This is why it is important that you set down in your agreement all contingencies that may arise, how they will be handled and what state law will govern. If you leave any ambiguity, you may find yourself having your contract parsed in a court of law and find a judge going outside the original intent of the agreement - which can be very costly to you.

A contract attorney should be able to walk you through all of your questions and issues: Is an oral contract enforceable? Which written contracts aren't enforceable? What constitutes a breach of contract? What is an implied warranty? Knowing these answers will help you prevent costly errors when drafting your contracts and agreement templates. Protect your rights under commercial contract law by:

1. Retaining a contract attorney;

2. Consulting online with commercial contract attorneys on specific legal issues;

3. Or investing in good contract law management software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search online listings for commercial contract lawyers

Commercial law statutes vary from state to state, so find a contract attorney who is licensed to practice in your state. Online directories list attorneys by state and specialties, including commercial law. You want an attorney who is properly credentialed, so also search referral sites of prescreened attorneys.

I recommend: Lawyers.com is a repository of lawyers across the country, categorized by state and specialty. You can search by a lawyer's name, firm name, the law school he or she attended and the states in which a lawyer is licensed to practice. You can also specify language spoken. Attorney Search Network refers you to prescreened attorneys with extensive experience in all areas of contract law. Just provide your contact information along with the specifics of your case to be referred to a lawyer who can best handle your case.

Find online legal advice regarding contract law

If you don't need to retain the full services of a lawyer but rather want answers to specific contract law questions, post your question online and receive expert advice. These websites are usually fee-based, and you can expect your answers within a certain time period. The quality of your answer depends on the specificity of your question.

I recommend: WORLDLawDirect provides online legal experts who can answer your contract law questions within 24 hours for a reasonable fee. They have resources by state jurisdiction and even international jurisdiction. Just Answer provides expert contract law advice after you create an account; you will receive your answer by email. The experts will indicate if they need more information before answering. You can choose to prepay or pay after you have received your advice.

Invest in contract management software

Contract management software can effectively streamline the entire life cycle of a contract, from negotiation to drafting to reporting. Good contract management ensures compliance as well as reduces risks and contract expenses.

I recommend: Contract management software from IntelliSoft Group, Inc. works with any size company and provides effective control over the entire contract process to ensure visibility, compliance and efficient management. You can schedule a free online demonstration. Contract Assistant provides small to midsized companies a software package with easy-to-use tools for organizing and managing contracts, including complete electronic records, one-click sorting and a multi-alarm system that prevents missed deadlines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you operate an Internet business, consult a commercial contract attorney with expertise in Internet law to negotiate and draft Internet contracts as well as handle contract disputes and enforce contractual provisions.