Washington contract law is an exchange of promises that is enforceable by law. Washington 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 in the state of Washington 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. Contract laws in Washington 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 Washington contract laws

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

I recommend: The University of Washington School of Law requires contract law as part of its first year J.D. program. The Seattle University School of Law offers a full-time and part-time program which requires courses in contract law.

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

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

I recommend: The Washington State Bar Association provides a complete schedule of upcoming CLE seminars in Washington, including seminars on contract law. The National Law Foundation is a provider of CLE courses on contract law in Washington.

Learn through professional training opportunities on contract law in Washington

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

I recommend: The Seminar Group hosts a variety of legal education seminars in Washington, including topics on contract law. Davis Wright Tremaine conducts seminars on contract law, such as "Beyond Layoffs: Controlling Payroll Costs in Creative and Legal Ways".

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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Work with experienced Washington contract law firms

Not all attorneys specialize in contract law. Working with Washington contract law lawyers who knows contract law well is the first step to getting quality contracts.

I recommend: Winston & Cashatt, Lawyers, A Professional Service of Spokane and Preg O'Donnell & Gillett PLLC of Seattle provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

Understand how the independent contractor relationship works under Washington contract laws

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 working knowledge of contract law in the state of Washington before signing service contracts

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Washington 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. Contract laws in Washington are highly specialized. 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.

Washington contract laws establish requirements on how to enforce the terms of written agreements between companies and people doing business in that state. Because the legality of the terms of and conditions of a contract can determine whether or not it’s enforceable in a court of law, it’s important for businesses to have some knowledge about Washington contract laws key terms.

Because contract laws vary by state, you should obtain information about contract laws in the state in which you conduct business. The following Washington contract law key terms can help you gain a basic understanding of how to draft and terminate legal contracts and what should be included in contracts to protect your business assets.

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Oral contract

An oral contract is one that is either partially in writing or not written at all. While an oral contract is just as valid as a written contract, it's difficult to prove the actual existence of an oral agreement.

I recommend: Find out more about Washington laws on oral contracts at US Legal.

Contract assignment

Washington contract law allows parties involved in a contract to transfer their rights and responsibilities to another party. This re-assignment of contract rights and responsibilities can be done for a variety of reasons as long as all parties are notified and agree on the change.

I recommend: Read more about Washington assignment of contract at FindLegalForms.com.

Breach of contract

Under Washington contract law, a breach of contract is a party's failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract without legal reason. A breach can include failure to complete a job, make payments or deliver on promised goods or services.

I recommend: Find out more about a breach of contract at High Beam.

Boilerplate

A boilerplate often includes miscellaneous clauses that can be included at the end of a business contract. These clauses can indicate how to resolve or arbitrate disputes as well as spell out other key components of the contract.

I recommend: Find out about the importance of including boilerplate information at the Washington Post.

Statute of limitation

Washington law identifies a limited amount of time during which lawsuits can be filed claiming injury. Under Washington law, a breach of contract claim must be filed within four years of the alleged breach. A breach of contract is a party's failure to comply with the terms of an agreement or contract.

I recommend: Read more about statute of limitation at Justia.

Cooling off period

Contracts are typically legally binding when signed. There is a window, called the cooling off period in which parties can cancel the agreement.

I recommend: Learn more about the cooling off period at King County Law Library.

Attorneys in Washington have good reason to stay informed on Washington contract law news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of current forms and procedures in Washington 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 Washington law contracts may be grouped into the following three categories:

1. Government websites on contract law in the state of Washington. These sites are the best source of official news on Washington contract law, such as current procedures or rulings.
2. Independent sources of news on Washington 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 Washington law contract

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

I recommend: The Supreme Court of the State of Washington has published a recent opinion on contract law in re Pers. Restraint of Bradley. The Washington State Bar Association has a business law section with extensive resources on contract law trends in Washington.

Examine independent sources of news and trends on Washington contract law

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

I recommend: Washington Construction Law keeps a blog with current post on contract law in Washington. The Columbian has a recent article on a contract law case in Washington.

Find inside news on contract law from Washington contract law firms

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

I recommend: Lane Powell in Washington has a recent article on contract law regarding an ocean bill of lading. Brewe Layman is based in Washington and has specific advice on the separation of property under a prenuptial agreement in Washington.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Washington 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.