New York contract law is an exchange of promises that is enforceable by law. New York 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 New York 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. The contract law of New York 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 New York contracts law

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

I recommend: Cornell University Law School provides first year students with a solid grounding in New York contract law. New York University School of Law has a program that provides a focus on business law, which includes a course in contracts.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for a contract attorney in New York

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

I recommend: The New York County Lawyer's Association offers a course on construction contracts that provides CLE credit in New York. Law.com CLE Center provides a package that meets all the New York CLE requirements and includes courses on contract law.

Learn through professional training opportunities on contract law in New York

Conferences, seminars and workshops are excellent methods for New York 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: Seminar Information Service offers a list of seminars in New York that provide training in contract law. The National Association of Purchasing Management provides regularly scheduled seminars on the aspects of New York contract law that deal with purchase management.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A New York contract lawyer should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in NY. 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.

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

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

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

1. Protect business owners from law suits between parties based on New York 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 New York contract law issues.

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

Work with an experienced New York contract lawyer

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

I recommend: Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP and Haynes and Boone, LLP of New York City specialize in all types of corporate law, including contracts.

Understand how the independent contractor relationship works under New York State contract law

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: Visit the New York State Department of Labor Independent Contractor webpage for information on how contract law governs the contract relationship. Also check out the NFIB report on Independednt Contractors in New York.

Get a basic working knowledge of NY state contract law before entering into service contracts

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under New York 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 has message boards so you can obtain 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. Contract law in NY is 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.