As attorneys, we sometimes get asked this broad open-ended question in a variety of contexts. Often the answer is equally broad, such as “It depends”. Let’s take just one example of how this question recently came up. I represent a number of clients who provide various consulting services. Just like attorneys, they need to enter [...]

And now, for something completely different: I ride my bike to work, whenever possible – preferably 5 days/week. I can take the short route which is only about a mile, or I can take a longer route, which is closer to 4 miles, and more scenic.

In previous posts we’ve dealt with “boilerplate” clauses such as waiver, jurisdiction and venue, and integration. Today we will talk about two related clauses: the “assignment” clause and the “binding effect” clause.

We’ve been talking the past few posts about boilerplate language in contracts. This standardized language that falls towards the end of almost all contract documents might seem to be excessive and pointless, especially when you’re trying to do the writing yourself.

One of our good business clients, Equity Concepts, based in Henrico, VA, is  celebrating their 20th anniversary. Sands Anderson’s Tom Ebel, recently spent some time talking with Michael Thaler, president of Equity Concepts, about their success and our relationship.

In the last post we talked about boilerplate clauses, specifically, the “integration clause.” There are lots of other boilerplate sections that might seem to just be boring and unnecessary text, something you might drop if you didn’t know why they exist. Let’s look at two more. Example one is the jurisdiction and choice of law clause. [...]

Ever heard someone say, when reviewing a contract with you, “that’s just boilerplate, don’t worry about it…” ? Maybe you and a customer considered saving some money by drafting your own agreement and decided to skip all that “boilerplate.”

  Virginia has topped the charts as the number one state in the nation for doing business according to CNBC.  When it awarded Virginia first place this year, CNBC remarked:  “we are starting to detect a pattern here.”  This is the second time that Virginia has run away with the award for top state for [...]

The resolving recession may have some permanent effects.  One good thing is the willingness of more law firms to negotiate fee arrangements that do not focus on the billable hour, frequently referred to as Alternative Fee Arrangements, or “AFAs.” 

Hire a really good lawyer who knows the ropes. In our last post, we covered dividing up the responsibility for work and success. This time, let’s talk about a crucial team member: your lawyer. Seriously. I know it sounds like a pitch, but I am sincere. Of course we hope that you will hire North [...]