Contract Law for Non-Lawyers

Are You Ready to Navigate Contract Law with Confidence and Reduce Legal Risk?

In New Zealand, understanding the basics of contract law is essential for anyone who regularly engages in agreements; whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee. But how do you ensure you're not missing critical details in contracts or exposing your organisation to unnecessary risks? 

The truth is, contract law doesn't have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can confidently review, negotiate, and understand contracts; ensuring they protect your interests and align with your business goals. If you've ever: 

- Struggled to understand legal jargon in contracts or agreements. 

- Felt uncertain about what terms are negotiable and what could lead to potential legal issues. 

- Wanted to better protect your organisation and avoid costly mistakes when reviewing contracts... 

This course is for you.

What You'll Gain

Real Skills, Real Impact

This course is designed for non-lawyers who want to understand the essentials of contract law without delving into complex legal language. You'll walk away with the confidence to navigate contracts, recognise key terms, and mitigate risks; all while ensuring your interests are protected. 

You'll learn how to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of contract law and the key elements that make up a legally binding agreement. 
2. Identify and interpret contract terms, including conditions, warranties, representations, and obligations. 
3. Understand the concept of "offer" and "acceptance" and how they form the basis of any contract. 
4. Recognise common contract clauses and understand their implications for your rights and responsibilities.
5. Identify contract breaches and learn what steps to take if a breach occurs. 
6. Understand the legal concept of "capacity"; who can enter into a contract and under what circumstances. 
7. Learn about contract termination, including when and how a contract can be terminated or modified. 
8. Recognise the importance of contract dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, and litigation. 
9. Review standard contracts and negotiate terms that align with your business's interests. 
10. Understand the role of consideration, ensuring that all parties exchange something of value.
11. Learn how to protect your organisation's interests through clear and concise contract drafting and negotiation. 
12. Understand the difference between "void" and "voidable" contracts and their legal consequences. 
13. Ensure compliance with New Zealand's contract laws, including the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017. 
14. Build confidence in reading, interpreting, and negotiating contracts without needing to consult a lawyer for every agreement. 
15. Understand consumer protection laws and how they apply to business contracts in New Zealand.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for: 

- Business owners and managers who want to understand contract law basics to make informed decisions. 

- Procurement professionals involved in contract negotiations and supplier agreements. 

- Anyone in a non-legal role who needs to review, understand, or negotiate contracts confidently.

Focused on actionable strategies and skills you can apply immediately to protect your organisation.

Designed to make complex legal concepts accessible and relevant to your role.

Tailored to your organisation’s specific needs, contracts, and industry.

What Participants Are Saying

"It has been an explosion of information and learning on the word "negotiation" and relating it back to my work. Beverley is very knowledgeable and is a fantastic facilitator. Her wealth of knowledge and imparting skills have made the two days away from the office worthwhile." 

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"Penny is an excellent facilitator and educator. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and walked out feeling more confident and knowledgeable"

Stakeholder Management, Facilitating & Presenting

"Fantastic facilitator and great content with a super helpful and easy to follow workbook"

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