Virginia contract law is an exchange of promises that is enforceable by law. Virginia contract law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as the sale of property, the terms of employment or the settlement of a dispute.

Contract law of Virginia state allows both written and oral contracts. A written contract may be required when making a large purchase such as a car or house, while a smaller purchase like a book may be considered an oral contract. A contract typically requires the following three elements in order to be enforceable:

1. Mutual consent. VA contract law requires that the parties agree on what the contract covers.
2. Mutual consideration. The parties must exchange something of value. A contract may not be enforceable if a party is already obligated to provide the consideration or if the consideration is essentially worthless.
3. Offer and acceptance. The contract contains an offer from one party that is accepted by the other party. A counter-offer is not an acceptance and is typically considered to be a rejection of the offer.
   

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

Attend a law school that specializes in contract law of VA

There are a variety of universities in Virginia that provide a concentration in commercial law or business law, which typically includes coursework on Virginia contract law.

I recommend: The University of Virginia School of Law provides a concentration in commercial law, which includes contracts. Regent University School of Law requires its first year law students to take two semesters of contract law.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for a contract lawyer in Virginia

Virginia requires attorneys to stay current on changes in the law through CLE courses. There are a variety of education and training programs in Virginia that provide CLE credit in contract law.

I recommend: Virginia Continuing Legal Education provides several courses in contract law that count as CLE credit in Virginia. The Virginia State Bar provides current courses that are approved in Virginia for CLE credit, including many courses on contract law in Virginia.

Learn through professional training opportunities on contract law in Virginia

Conferences, seminars and workshops are excellent methods for Virginia contract lawyers to improve their knowledge of the law. This training is typically provided by professional associations, law firms or dedicated providers of legal training.

I recommend: The Fairfax Bar Association keeps a schedule of upcoming seminars on a variety of legal topics, including contracts. LeClair Ryan is a law firm that holds conferences on contract law topics in Virginia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A contract attorney in Virginia should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in VA. These associations provide a number of resources essential for the practicing contract law attorney, including contact information for important courts, assistance with meeting CLE requirements and links to the recent contract law rulings.

Virginia state contract law helps protect business owners entering into agreements with suppliers and contractors. Contract law in Virginia State helps keep boundaries between companies clear and working relationships positive.

A contract lawyer in Virginia makes it his business to protect yours. Having the right contract law attorney in Virginia keeps business owners aware of their rights and responsibilities. Without a contract law attorney in Virginia, the terms of your agreement may not be as clear as you need them to be.

Contract law in Virginia allows businesses to agree on terms beneficial to both. With the right contract law in Virginia, businesses grow in both size and profitability. Quality contract law in Virginia helps reduce the need to go to court when clearly written. Contract law in VA will:

1. Protect business owners from law suits between Virginia contract parties.

2. Provide clear guidelines between businesses and their contractors.

3. Help business owners maintain good relationships between themselves and their contractors.

4. Eliminate the need for court appearances and costly law suits related to Virginia contract law issues.

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

Work with an experienced contract lawyer in Virginia

Not all attorneys specialize in contract law. Finding an attorney who knows Virginia contract law well is the first step to getting quality contracts.

I recommend: Randall C. Allen, PC of Leesburg and Pesner, Kawamoto, Conway, a Professional Law Corporation of McLean provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

Understand how the independent contractor relationship works under VA contract law

More and more large companies enlist the services of independent contractors during times when business is heavy. Even independent contractors need the services of a quality legal team. Large companies who provide contractor services have the right legal team behind them to make sure you're getting what you pay for.

I recommend: The IRS website provides working definitions of what constitutes a contractor relationship for federal tax purposes. Nolo is a legal resource that further explains the difference between employees and independent contractors and their relationship under state contract laws.

Get a basic working knowledge of contract law in Virginia before entering into service contracts

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Virginia state contract law before visiting your contract law attorney. Good information helps you ask the right questions and understand some of the terms the attorney might use.

I recommend: FindLaw provides some basic information about contract law for the business owner or independent contractor. Lawyers.com offers feedback almost instantly through their message boards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay away from pre printed contracts you might find on the Internet. VA contract laws are highly specialized and having qualified legal counsel is priceless when entering into any contract.
• •  Don't ever sign a contract until you completely understand the terms of the agreement. Contracts are legally binding and difficult to break once signed.