Writing Effective Legal Documents and Commercial Contracts

An Intensive 5-day Training Course

Writing Effective Legal Documents and
Commercial Contracts

Writing Effective Legal Documents and Commercial Contracts

Scheduled Dates

Classroom

23 - 27 Dec 2024Toronto - Canada$6,950RESERVE A SEAT
12 - 16 May 2025London - UK$5,950RESERVE A SEAT
22 - 26 Sep 2025Dubai - UAE$5,950RESERVE A SEAT
29 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026Toronto - Canada$6,950RESERVE A SEAT

Online

22 - 26 Sep 2025Online$3,950RESERVE A SEAT

Are the scheduled dates matching with your needs?

We provide a wider range of training options. Tailored and customized, we can deliver your organisation’s training needs anytime, anywhere.

In-House Solutions ›

Why Choose this Training Course?

Those who deliver written legal advice or draft contract documentation are sometimes criticized for being verbose, obscure, or unhelpful. The criticism can apply whether the person is an external adviser or in-house counsel working alongside the company management team. But, if the job is done effectively, the Lawyers / Advisers can add real commercial value with the written work.

Well drafted legal documents – whether they comprise advice, correspondence, contracts or other written materials – lead to more successful outcomes: better performing contractors, more satisfied internal and external customers, reduced risks and smaller liabilities.

This Writing Effective Legal Documents and Commercial Contracts training course will help to develop the skills of in-house and external Lawyers / Advisers, turning them into highly effective written communicators and legal draftsmen. It will highlight why effective English legal writing is important and teach participants how to write well-structured and useful advisory and contractual documents.

This training course will include:

  • How to make your legal writing effective
  • How to use appropriate legal language
  • Tips to follow and traps to avoid in legal writing
  • How to structure your legal memorandum in the most effective way
  • How to adjust your writing style to adapt to the reader audience
  • How to use appropriate language in a contract
  • What to look for to identify and avoid typical risks in contract clauses
  • When to consider using standard templates and model form contracts
  • How to draft concisely and without ambiguity
  • How to structure the contract to create a logical flow
  • Using checklists to identify gaps in the contract document
  • How to work with the draft contracts supplied by the opposing party

What are the Goals?

By the end of this training seminar you will be able to:

  • Better understand the needs of their internal and external clients
  • Create more effective legal documents in English
  • Structure their documents using best writing practices
  • Select appropriate English language for the legal tasks they face
  • Improve the clarity and usefulness of their legal writing
  • Structure a standard commercial contract
  • Identify the key terms and conditions that they should include in a contract
  • Use model contracts and templates as a basis for their own work
  • Draft appropriate terms and conditions for a range of commercial activities
  • Identify unacceptably risky terms and conditions in the proposed contracts of partners, contractors, vendors or other parties
  • Propose alternative draft wording to protect their client’s commercial interests, when negotiating with others

Who is this Training Course for?

This training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will especially benefit:

  • Corporate and Commercial In-House or External Lawyers / Advisers, especially those involved in:
    • Providing legal advice to corporate functions, including to top management or the board about the meaning of terms and conditions in contracts and other documents
    • Drafting instructions to or seeking advice from outside counsel or other legal experts
    • Preparing, drafting and negotiating terms and conditions in supplier contracts, joint venture agreements, production licences, drilling permits and other legal commercial documents
  • Commercial Contracts Professionals who assist the procurement teams in purchasing activities
  • Members of the procurement team who manage supplier contracts and have to apply the terms of commercial agreements
  • Any other staff member who assists or is involved in preparing legal documentation

How will this Training Course be Presented?

The facilitator will deploy a full range of lively and interactive training methods, including exercises, case studies, drafting sessions and group discussions.

Each topic will be underpinned by a presentation that highlights key issues to focus on. The learning experience will be supported by a reference manual containing templates and examples of best practice. Participants will draft documents, make presentations and receive personal feedback on their work.

Model legal documents will be reviewed and analysed. Alternative approaches will be considered. Real examples will be discussed.

Daily Agenda

Day One: Principles of Effective Legal Writing
  • Introduction, objectives, and scope of the workshop
  • What is effective legal writing?
  • Techniques to write clearly
  • Structuring your legal analysis
  • Choosing appropriate legal language while avoiding ‘legalese’
  • Effective editing of a legal document
  • Applying the principles to letters, emails and general correspondence
  • Drafting exercises
Day Two: Best Practices in Drafting a Legal Memorandum
  • Choosing an appropriate heading
  • Describing the background and purpose of the memorandum
  • Framing the legal issues
  • Providing the short answer
  • Statement of the facts
  • Analysis of the issues and how the law applies
  • Conclusions and recommendations in the memorandum
  • Drafting Exercises
Day Three: Principles of Contract Drafting
  • Why contract drafting skills are important
  • Complying with contract law essentials
  • Using appropriate contract language
  • Contract methodologies, including
    • Bespoke written agreements
    • Using general and special terms and conditions
    • Using Purchase Orders with standard terms and conditions
    • Framework agreements
    • Deeds
    • Letters of intent, Heads of terms and MoUs
  • Working with model contracts and templates
  • Drafting exercises
Day Four: Preparing the Contract Draft
  • Reflecting the purpose of the transaction
  • Analysing and mapping out the contractual transaction process
  • Structuring the contract draft
  • Contents of the front and back of the contract
    • Title
    • Parties
    • Recitals
    • Dates
    • Definitions
    • Signatures
    • Attachments, Exhibits and Schedules
  • Using Boilerplate clauses, such as
    • Governing law clause
    • Dispute resolution process
    • Contract variation mechanism
    • Confidentiality obligations
    • Assignment and sub-contracting
    • Force Majeure
    • Notices and communication clause
    • Drafting exercises
Day Five: Managing the Negotiated Draft Agreement
  • Working with the other parties to the contract
  • Analysing their contract clauses for hidden risks
  • Negotiating the liability clauses
    • Who bears the risk?
    • Exclusion and limitation of liability
    • Indemnity and insurance clauses
    • Bonds and Guarantees
    • Liquidated damages clauses and penalties
  • Using clauses that impose obligations or grant powers or permissions, such as
    • Inspection
    • Default
    • Termination
  • Using the concept of “reasonableness”
  • Payment and other financial terms
  • Drafting exercises

Certificate

  • On successful completion of this Training Course / Online Training Course, a PetroKnowledge Certificate / E-Certificate will be awarded to the delegates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why PetroKnowledge?

PetroKnowledge is a globally recognized provider of training courses for oil and gas professionals, offering a wide range of specialized training courses designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and expertise in the energy sector. With courses tailored to meet the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry, PetroKnowledge helps professionals stay up-to-date with industry standards, technological advancements, and best practices.

Who are these training courses designed for?

Our courses are specifically developed for professionals in the oil and gas industry, including engineers, technical staff, managers, and other specialists looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the sector, our training for oil and gas professionals is suited to individuals at all stages of their professional journey.

Are the courses delivered online or in person?

PetroKnowledge offers flexible learning solutions with both online courses and in-person training options. Online courses for oil and gas professionals provide the flexibility to learn from anywhere, while in-person courses offer a hands-on, interactive learning environment. Each training course page provides detailed information on the delivery format, allowing you to choose the option that best meets your learning style and schedule

Can I get a customized training course for my team?

Yes, PetroKnowledge offers customized in-house training solutions for organizations looking to upskill their teams. We work closely with companies to design bespoke training courses for oil and gas professionals that address specific challenges and objectives. Whether you need on-site training or online solutions, we can tailor the training courses to suit your organization’s needs.

Are there any prerequisites for attending a course?

Certain advanced training courses for oil and gas professionals may require prior experience or technical knowledge. These prerequisites ensure that participants can fully benefit from the course content. We recommend reviewing the course description on the relevant page to determine if any prerequisites apply to your selected course.

How can I enroll in a course?

Enrolling in one of our training courses for oil and gas professionals is simple and convenient. Navigate to the specific course page, click “Enroll Now,” and complete the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email with further details on how to proceed.

You may also get in touch with our Registration Team on
+971 50 981 7386 | +971 2 557 7389 or send an email to [email protected]

When should I expect to receive confirmation of registration?

Upon successful registration online, enrolment on the respective training course will be confirmed by Registration Team by e-mail along with the invoice and joining instruction.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes, upon successful completion of our courses for professionals in the oil and gas industry, you will receive an industry-recognized certificate from PetroKnowledge. This certification is designed to validate your skills and knowledge and can significantly enhance your professional credentials, boosting your career prospects in the competitive oil and gas sector.

When and how do I arrange payments?

We offer two convenient payment options:

  • Bank Transfer – You can make payment via bank transfer. Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive an invoice with the banking details for the transfer. We would require you to supply a swift copy for us to confirm receipt of funds.
  • Payment Link – Alternatively, we provide a secure payment link that you can use to complete your payment after your registration has been confirmed.

What is the refund or cancellation policy?

Our refund and cancellation policy varies depending on the course and circumstances. Generally, cancellations made at least 21 days before the training are eligible for a refund, less any administrative fees. If you have any specific inquiries about the cancellation or refund, don’t hesitate to contact our support team, who can assist with your booking and cancellation queries.

Is there a discount for more than one registrant/course?

For corporate fees and group registration, please send your query to [email protected].

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