Contract Drafting & Review Attorney Serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Practice Areas
Drafting a solid, legally sound contract is integral to any business or personal transaction. Vague or poorly written agreements can lead to disputes, financial losses, or unintended liabilities. At Barsik Law Offices, we strive to create thorough, precise contracts based on an understanding of contract law that protect your interests.
Our firm caters to clients across Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and Stroudsburg, as well as New Jersey, including Morristown, Newark, Parsippany, Summit, Bedminster, Roxbury Township, Dover, and Denville.
Contracts are important, whether it’s a business deal, employment agreement, or real estate transaction. If you’re dealing with complex agreements or confusing clauses, our attorneys have the experience you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Importance of Contract Drafting
The foundation of any good working relationship is a clear and well-drafted agreement. Contracts formalize obligations between parties, establish expectations, and provide legal protection in the event of disputes. Contracts often address a range of issues, including:
Payment terms and deadlines
Confidentiality provisions
Liability limitations
Termination clauses
Ownership rights
Drafting a contract is not just about understanding the terms. It’s about anticipating problems, effectively representing your interests, and keeping all parties aligned. Any mistakes or ambiguous wording in the contract could result in costly misunderstandings down the line.
Draft Foolproof Contracts Today
Our Contract Drafting Services
At Barsik Law Offices, we provide drafting services for a wide range of contracts. Every agreement should reflect its purpose, whether personal, professional, or business-related, and comply with the regulations under state contract law. Some types of agreements we regularly draft for our clients include, but are not limited to, the following.
Business contracts: From vendor and supplier agreements to non-compete clauses, we draft contracts tailored for your business needs. We take the time to understand your operations, goals, and relationships to help create documents that protect your interests while fostering trust between parties.
Employment agreements: Employment contracts do more than set out job responsibilities and compensation. They clarify confidentiality, ownership of work products, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Our attorneys are skilled in building strong employer-employee relationships with well-crafted agreements designed to reduce potential conflicts.
Real estate transactions: Real estate agreements, such as purchase agreements, lease contracts, or construction agreements, often contain financial and legal jargon. If you’re buying, selling, or leasing property, our attorneys can help make sure the terms work in your favor.
Partnership or shareholder agreements: Strong partnerships require a clear understanding of the roles, expectations, equity distributions, and exit strategies for each party. By drafting comprehensive agreements, we can help establish equitable terms for all parties involved.
Custom agreements: We also prepare customized contracts tailored to your objectives. These may include service contracts, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), or agreements that cover specific business arrangements or collaborations.
Contract Review Services
At Barsik Law Offices, we understand that sometimes you may already have a contract in hand but need a professional to review it and make sure it aligns with your interests. That’s where our contract review services come in.
Whether it’s an existing agreement or a draft proposal, our attorneys will:
Examine the language for potential risks
Identify key terms that might be ambiguous or missing
Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania or New Jersey laws
Highlight clauses that could expose you to liability
Contract Laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Both states have specific regulations and requirements for contract drafting. Under Pennsylvania law, a contract must contain certain elements to be legally binding. These include a clear offer and acceptance between the parties, consideration (i.e., the promise to exchange benefits, such as money, for services), and the capacity of both parties to enter into the agreement legally.
Pennsylvania does recognize oral contracts in certain situations, but without written documentation, resolving disputes can become complicated and challenging. This highlights the importance of drafting meticulously well-written contracts.
New Jersey law also follows similar principles but mandates that specific contracts, such as those for real estate sales, must be in writing to comply with the Statute of Frauds.
New Jersey courts frequently evaluate the concepts of “good faith” and “fair dealing” between parties, which can significantly impact how contracts are interpreted. The absence of good faith and fair dealing can lead to disputes.
In the event of disputes, Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts approach ambiguous contract terms differently. Therefore, it's essential to work with an attorney who understands these distinctions and can make sure your contract adheres to local laws, is clear and precise, and minimizes the risk of misinterpretation.
Common Errors to Avoid When Drafting a Contract
Seeking professional contract drafting services can help you establish strong and legally sound contracts. However, there are common errors that you should try to avoid when drafting a contract. Some of the most common mistakes include the following.
Vague language: Ambiguity in terms can lead to serious disagreements. For example, “reasonable effort” can have different meanings to different parties. Precise definitions remove any opportunity for misinterpretation.
Forgetting contingencies: Contracts should include contingencies for potential issues, such as payment failures, missed deadlines, or unexpected delays. These “what if” clauses are crucial for protecting both parties involved in the transaction.
Ignoring state laws: Business agreements are affected by state regulations, which often require different compliance criteria. Pennsylvania and New Jersey contract laws have specific provisions that your documents must meet to be enforceable.
Relying on templates: While downloadable templates might appear to be a convenient solution, they often lack the adaptability and legal precision of custom contracts. These generic forms overlook the unique details of your situation, potentially leaving critical gaps in your protection.
Contract Drafting Attorney Serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey
At Barsik Law Offices, we prioritize building authentic relationships with our clients by maintaining open and honest communication. If you need assistance with drafting a contract or thoroughly reviewing an existing one, whether for your business or a personal matter, we can help you create a document tailored to your unique goals and requirements.
Our attorneys serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and Stroudsburg, as well as New Jersey, including Morristown, Newark, Parsippany, Summit, Bedminster, Roxbury Township, Dover, and Denville. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.