#business-law

Master legal writing principles for clear, enforceable contracts and documents. Contract structure: 1. Preamble: parties identification, document purpose. 2. Definitions: key terms with specific meanings. 3. Rights and obligations: detailed performance requirements. 4. Consideration: payment terms, deliverables, timelines. 5. Termination clauses: conditions for contract ending. 6. Dispute resolution: arbitration, jurisdiction, governing law. Plain English principles: 1. Active voice: 'Company will provide' vs. 'Services will be provided by Company'. 2. Short sentences: complex ideas broken into digestible parts. 3. Defined terms: capitalize and define technical or ambiguous words. 4. Parallel structure: consistent formatting for similar provisions. Risk mitigation: 1. Indemnification clauses: protection from third-party claims. 2. Limitation of liability: cap on damages, exclusions. 3. Force majeure: unforeseeable circumstances protection. 4. Intellectual property: ownership, licensing, usage rights. Amendment provisions: 1. Written modifications only: prevent oral changes. 2. Signature requirements: authorized representatives only. Compliance considerations: industry regulations, local laws, international agreements for cross-border contracts.