Texas Contract Law Education and Training

Get the right training to protect your business with contract laws in Texas

By Emmet McMahan
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.