A Course Overview
The success of an internal domestic market depends on the validity of contracts supporting commercial relationships. Understanding how contracts are formed and operate are key to the success of every business.
Professionals advising businesses are asked to negotiate, prepare and advice on different types of contracts.
In the law of contracts, the Latin principle pacta sunt servanda is the starting point. This phrase means that agreements must be kept. Parties must perform their obligations and promises when they have binding contracts.
Under English common law, parties are generally allowed the freedom to enter any agreement they like. However, this freedom is not without restriction. Agreements must not be unlawful or is against public policy.
Valid contracts start with the essential elements, namely, the intention to enter into a contractual agreement, offer, acceptance and consideration. The question of how to protect a party once a valid and enforceable contract is breached is fundamental.
Professionals will need to assist their clients in deciding which remedies are best to protect the interests of their clients.
Domestic contracts are regulated by domestic courts. However, globalization has now added new dimensions to the domestic contract. Clients will need to know which courts have jurisdiction to hear and resolve their disputes even if their contracts are restricted to domestic relationships.
Commercial law governs both domestic and international commercial transactions. It covers areas of law such as contracts, torts, the sale of goods, marketing agreements, finance, credit arrangements, transportation, insurance, competition, intellectual property, tax law and customs.
When we deal with an international sale of goods, the considerations become even wider as we need to consider contract law, established customs and usage, national legislation of both the country of export and that of import, European law and international conventions.
An agreement for the international sale of goods involves goods being sold and shipped by sea, road, rail, or air to another destination in a different country. Both parties to the transaction will be taking steps to protect themselves against the risks involved in international trade such as risks in transport, financial risks, and force majeure.
There is no one size fits all and therefore to avoid or minimize risks, practitioners need to look at each case to determine the best risk management strategy for their particular clients. Effective drafting of clauses in agreements, insurance policies and secure cost-effective payment methods are just as important as choosing the best business model and partners.
Course Syllabus
Modules
- Essential Elements of a Contract – how to create a legal relationship, an offer, acceptance, and consideration.
- Structure and Parts of a Contract – identify the types of clauses in contracts and their function
- International Commercial Agreements -learn about sales agreements and how they are enforceable internationally
- International Carriage of Goods -study the different documents needed for the international transportation of goods, the different insurance options available to protect the goods and the relevance of the Incoterms
- Agency, Distribution and Franchise Agreements – examine the different types of business models for taking goods to market, learn basic rules for drafting and remedies for breach of international contract
- Finance and Security in the International Sale of Goods -learn how to finance and secure payment in international agreements including through letters of credit
Each module contains a study of essential vocabulary and legal elements, exercises, writing, drafting, case studies and role plays. Modules can be taken separately depending on their interest or professional needs. If participants complete all (6) modules, they will be awarded the Certificate of Completion.
Details
Total hours for the course = 12 hours
Mode: Online via ZOOM
Dates for Group 1 course: Saturday Morning from 10:00am – 13:00pm (Rome Time)
Dates for Group 2 Course: Saturday Morning from 10:00am – 13:00pm (Sydney Time)
- October: 17, 24, 31
- November: 7
ABOUT THE TRAINER: Sofia Parastatidou
Sofia is qualified practising solicitor of England and Wales where she has been admitted as a solicitor since 1997. She has also been admitted in Australia since 1991. Sofia has worked internationally training lawyers, accountants, in-house counsel and notaries. She teaches undergraduate law, masters courses and various post – graduate courses. Sofia is the President & Founder of ILETA (International Legal English Trainers’ Academy) and President and Founder of EUBETA (European Business English Teachers’ Association). She is the author of Legal English and trains lawyers who wish to re-qualify through the SQE to become solicitors in England and Wales. Sofia is the founder of Globelex International Lawyers.
Cost:
Group: Special Introductory Offer: €540 per person or AUD $899 per person
(NB: The course will be activated on a minimum 3 people, maximum 30)
Individual: One to One Private Lessons are quoted individually
Participants will be awarded a Certificate in International Commercial Transactions upon completion which can be added to their CV. Price also includes all didactic material.
For further details or to express an interest in this course send an email to: info(at)britishlawacademy (dot) com.
NB: As far as possible groups will be formed based English levels and professional experience.
The 
The SQE (Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam) is the blueprint way to re-qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The SQE 2 is the second exam which must be taken after candidates have successfully passed the SQE1.
