Georgia contract law is an exchange of promises that is enforceable by law. Georgia 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.

Georgia contract law practices allow 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. GA 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 laws in GA

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

I recommend: Georgia State University College of Law offers a concentration in business law, which includes coursework in contract law. The Legal Skills and Professionalism Program at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School provides specific training in contracts law.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for a Georgia contract law attorney

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

I recommend: The Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia provides a schedule of upcoming CLE courses, including many that deal with contract law in Georgia. National Business Institute teaches many courses in contract law that provide CLE in contract law.

Learn through professional training opportunities on contract laws in Georgia

Conferences, seminars and workshops are excellent methods for Georgia 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 Atlanta Bar lists upcoming events on topics related to contract law, such as construction law and litigation. SMC3 hosts an annual contract law seminar in Atlanta.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A Georgia contract attorney should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in Georgia. 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.

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

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

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

1. Protect business owners from law suits between parties according to GA contract law.

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 Georgia contract law issues.

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

Work with an experienced Georgia contract law firm

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

I recommend: Lambert, Reitman and Abney, LLC of Madison Aitkens & Aitkens, P.C. of Atlanta provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

Understand how the independent contractor relationship works under Georgia 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 Georgia contract law before entering into service contracts

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Georgia 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 message boards so you can obtain feedback almost instantaneously.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay away from pre printed contracts you might find on the Internet. GA 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. Contract laws in GA are legally binding and difficult to break once signed.