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

Massachusetts law contracts 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. Massachusetts contract laws 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 training Massachusetts contract law attorneys

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

I recommend: Boston College Law School includes a thorough education in contract law as part of its J.D. program. Harvard Law School offers business law as a program of study, which includes coursework in contract law.

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

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

I recommend: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education provides a complete calendar of upcoming CLE courses on business law in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Bar Association has courses in business contract law that offer CLE credit in Massachusetts.

Learn through professional training opportunities on Massachusetts contract law practices

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

I recommend: The Boston Bar Association hosts a variety of events on contract law in Massachusetts such as wage and hour litigation. Boyd and Boyd holds periodic seminars on the contract laws regarding estate planning in Massachusetts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Massachusetts contract law lawyers should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in MA. 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.

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

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

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

1. Protect business owners from lawsuits between parties according to Massachusetts law contracts.

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 lawsuits related to contract laws in Massachusetts.

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

Work with an experienced Massachusetts contract law practice

Not all attorneys specialize in contract law. Finding Massachusetts contract law firms who know contract law well is the first step to getting quality contracts.

I recommend: Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. of Braintree and Morrison Mahoney LLP of Boston provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

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

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Massachusetts 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 receive feedback almost instantly.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay away from pre-printed contracts you might find on the Internet. Massachusetts 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 law in the state of Massachusetts means contracts are legally binding and difficult to break once signed.