The services provided at Stone, Duncan, & Associates to our clients in the area of contract law are three fold:  negotiating; drafting; and litigation. 

First, in the pre-drafting phase, we represent our client's interests during negotiations of the terms of the contract.  When a business or personal relationship is formed between the contracting parties, the terms of the deal must be set forth.  The first step in establishing a contract begins when you enter negotiations with the other party.  This is when the parties come to an agreement on meaning and definition of the terms. This is sometimes referred to as "meeting of the minds." Additionally, this is the time when the parties decide who will write the contract.  Remember "he who holds the pen controls the sword." 

During the drafting phase, the Firm prides itself in taking the time necessary to properly draft custom tailored contracts for our clients to ensure the most favorable terms for our clients.  It is important to remember each and every contractual term may be vital to the document as a whole.  One legally ineffective term may make the whole document ineffective or place inappropriate liability on you.  It is this attention to detail that ensures our clients are protected in the event of any contractual dispute or litigated issue. We also balance the law with business needs of the client.  We also work with clients with limited budgets to draft agreements in an attempt to allieviate the major contractual concerns.

In addition if we are not drafting the contract our Firm will conduct a meticulous review of each contract provision to protect our clients from unfair terms and assist them in negotiating a more favorable agreement.  

Finally, should our clients find themselves involved in a contractual dispute our Firm will evaluate the terms and actions taken by both parties, and formulate a plan to resolve the dispute.  If necessary, we will strive to ensure our client is made whole as to any damages that may have occurred as a result of a breach by the other party. 

Critical to the effective representation of our clients is a thorough understanding of the legal evolution and development of contract law and the current standing of the law in Pennsylvania and the United States. Our firm has developed this understanding through our experiences drafting and negotiating countless contracts, teaching contract law, and resolving and litigating various contract disputes.

The following type of contracts are the most commonly requested from our Firm:

• Business and commercial contracts
• Custom contract terms for our clients unique businesses and needs
• Licensing contracts for intellectual property
• Real estate purchase and sale contracts
• Commercial real estate lease contracts
• Equipment lease contracts
• Employment agreement contracts, including non-compete agreements and confidentiality agreements
• Purchase and sale agreements for businesses and business assets
• Web-site agreements
• Internet Terms and Conditions
• Prenuptial agreements
• Buy/Sell agreements

Additionally, we also provide business contract litigation, mediation, and arbitration for our clients.  If you have any questions or concerns about any contract issue or matter please contact us .