Drafting and reviewing contracts: what I look at
Why a verbal agreement doesn't work
Verbal agreements most often fall apart over money and deadlines, less often over scope. “I thought that included VAT.” “Well, you knew the deadline was approximate.” In court it's not who's right that wins, but who has it in writing.
Reviewing a contract before signing
There's no such thing as a standard contract; each was drafted by one side in its own interest. When I review a contract, I look at the subject and scope, price and payment terms, deadlines, liability and termination. And I explain in plain words which of it is a real risk and which is a formality.
Cross-border contract
A deal with a foreign partner needs a choice of law, language, currency and forum for disputes. I draft contracts in Ukrainian and English.
Loan agreement and receipt
Lending money, even to a friend? The law requires loans above a small threshold to be made in writing, and a receipt confirms it. A working receipt contains both parties' passport details, the amount in figures and words, the repayment date and the borrower's signature.
Buying a home? Read about deposits and preliminary agreements on the real estate lawyer page. An online business will need a public offer and website documents, and business partners a shareholder agreement.