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

Texas law contracts may be written or oral. 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. Texas contract laws require 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.
   

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Attend a law school that specializes in contract law in the state of Texas

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

I recommend: The University of Texas at Austin School of Law teaches contracts law as a required course for its first year law students. Baylor University Law School provides comprehensive study of contract law under both common law and Uniform Commercial Code.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for Texas contract law attorneys

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

I recommend: The Law.com CLE Center provides a Texas Clearance Mini Bundle which provides CLE credit in Texas on matters of contract law. Federal Publications Seminars offers a CLE course on Public Contracting in Texas.

Learn through professional training opportunities for a Texas contract law attorney

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

I recommend: The Austin Bar Association hosts meetings, such as the Solo & Small Firm Seminar, that cover a variety of topics, including contract law. The Houston Bar Association provides a calendar of events and a brochure for all of its contract law seminars throughout the year.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A Texas contract law lawyer should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in TX. 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.

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

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

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

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

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Work with an experienced Texas contract law practice

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

I recommend: Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, L.L.P. of Austin and Dunn, Nutter & Morgan, L.L.P. of Texarkana provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

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

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Texas 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. Texas 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 Texas are legally binding and difficult to break once signed.

Texas contract law is an all-encompassing type of law. It includes everything from contracts used to sell products and services to non-compete agreements. Anyone doing business in the state of Texas should be familiar with common terms found in these contracts, including collective bargaining, non-compete agreements and misrepresentation of goods and services. More importantly, they should understand how the laws in Texas affect these additions to contracts. A full understanding of these terms is critical.

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Collective bargaining

In Texas, laws limit collective bargaining. This is the process of negotiating between an employer and a group of employees to obtain an agreement on the conditions of employment. Businesses are required to follow Texas law in this area, which is preempted by federal law.

I recommend: HoustonLawHelp provides more information about these laws.

Pre-employment/promotion law

In Texas, pre-employment/promotion laws outline the rights of an individual who is hired by an employer. Texas contract laws stipulate the requirements of businesses to stay within the hiring, terminating and promoting guidelines of the state.

I recommend: Lawyers provides more information about the pre-employment/promotion laws in Texas.

Business contracts

Business contracts is a term commonly used in Texas contract law. This can point to a number of different types of contracts including producer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, licensing agreements and much more.

I recommend: LawInfo provides more information regarding Texas business contracts through Brian D. Melton's services.

Non-compete agreements

Non-compete agreements are legal documents that prohibit an individual from disclosing the information provided to them. These laws may be used to protect valuable information, new products and services or to keep strategic moves quiet.

I recommend: K&L Gates provides more information about non-compete agreements through their Texas Non-Compete Law Blog.

Business disputes

In the state of Texas, business disputes may include breach of contract, breach of shareholder contracts, fraud, and failure to pay royalties. A number of other types of lawsuits can be brought against a business or individual for failure to maintain contract law. Business disputes are the arguments often brought to trial or to settlement.

I recommend: Glickman, Carter & Bachynsky provides more information about business disputes in Texas.

Misrepresentation of goods or services

In Texas, laws are in place to protect consumers regarding misrepresentation of goods and services. This law outlines what could be considered misrepresentation, or the act of promising more than is fulfilled, based on contract or word of mouth.

I recommend: The Law Offices of Robert N. Grisham II provides more information on misrepresentation of goods and services.

Attorneys in Texas have good reason to stay informed on Texas contract law news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of current forms and procedures in Texas contract law. A court can also make a new ruling in cases involving contract law, which can affect the way these attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may need to stay updated on what the public is saying about contract law, in order to correct any misconceptions they may have.

The best sources of information on news and trends for Texas law contracts may be grouped into the following three categories:

1. Government websites on contract law in the state of Texas. These sites are the best source of official news on Texas contract law, such as current procedures or rulings.
2. Independent sources of news on Texas contract laws, such as blogs, magazines and newspapers. These sources are the most likely to provide news and opinions on contract law that do not rely on any particular business or lobby group.
3. Contract law attorneys. Legal professionals may be able to provide inside news and information on contract law.
   

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Find state websites with official news and other information on a Texas law contract

Texas government websites are the best places to get the latest news about Texas contract law. A Texas government website also may publish the state statutes to help attorneys stay informed on the latest legislation that relates to Texas contract law.

I recommend: The Supreme Court of Texas provides recent opinions on contract law in Texas. The State Bar of Texas has published a recent decision on a breach of contract suit against an insurance company in Texas.

Examine independent sources of news and trends on Texas contract law

Universities, law libraries and other organizations frequently report on recent court cases and legislative updates on Texas contract law. Individuals also may keep blogs and journals on contract law in Texas.

I recommend: Will, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog has a post on a contract law case in Texas involving the sale of primates. Texas Law Blogger offers a recent post on non-compete agreements in Texas.

Find inside news on contract law from Texas contract law firms

Texas contract law attorneys frequently have information on Texas law that is not available elsewhere. These attorneys may publish newsletters or full length articles on a particular aspect of contract law in Texas.

I recommend: Michael Wald provides a variety of articles on contract law in Texas, such as "Requirements of a Valid Texas Contract." Looper Reed & McGraw provides an overview of one of its cases involving a breach of contract suit in Texas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Texas contract laws specify the conditions under which a contract may be enforceable. Generally, a valid contract between party A and party B requires that party A gives something of value to party B, and party B must give something of value to party A. The two parties also must agree on the items of value. Contracts made under duress or coercion are generally unenforceable.