Contract Law for Non-Lawyers (Level 1)

Date: 30th April

Modality:  In-person

Duration: One day, 9:00am-4:00pm

Price: $1,259.00 (incl. GST). If you are eligible for the UoA Staff or Auckland Council Training Member discount, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. 

Contract law lies at the heart of all commercial activity. To ensure smooth and risk-free business operations it is essential for managers and professionals to understand contract formation, interpretation, and enforceability.

"Contract Law for Non-Lawyers" (Level 1) is a comprehensive one-day course designed to demystify the essentials of contract law for professionals from non-legal backgrounds. The course covers the key aspects of contract formation, the significance of pre-contractual statements, and the implications of a breach of contract.

This one-day course is designed to be non-threatening and highly interactive, ensuring a comfortable learning environment. Utilising simple, business-friendly case studies, participants will engage with practical scenarios that make the complexities of contract law accessible and relevant to their professional needs.

Short course structure and topics covered:

The course is designed to provide an engaging learning experience through a blend of instruction, discussion, and case studies. In the morning session, participants will explore the fundamental question, "What is a contract?" and learn the essential steps involved in creating a contract. The afternoon session will focus on effective communication strategies, highlighting how to identify and overcome common problems before entering into a contract, and best practices for administering and managing contracts.

Morning Session

• What a contract is
• The purpose and types of contracts
• How to read and understand contracts
• How to create a contract
• Drafting contract terms
• Creating a contract that can be enforced

Afternoon Session

• What to say or what not to say before concluding a contract
• Identifying common problems
• Effective communication strategies when dealing with contracts
• How to administer and manage contracts
• Reviewing a contract from a risk management perspective
• Identifying and resolving contractual breaches

Short course benefits and learning outcomes:

Participants will:

• Understand the fundamental principles and definitions of a contract.
• Gain practical knowledge on the steps and requirements to create a legally binding contract.
• Learn the importance of pre-contractual statements and how to communicate effectively before concluding a contract.
• Develop skills to effectively administer and manage contracts to minimise risks.

Your organisation will:

• Gain capacity to comply with legal standards through employees' improved understanding of contract formation and management.
• Reduce the risk of contractual disputes and breaches due to employees' increased awareness of effective pre-contractual communication.
• Improve efficiency in contract administration and management, leading to smoother business operations.
• Strengthen organisational capacity to negotiate and enforce agreements, thereby fostering better business relationships and outcomes. 

Who should attend? / any entry requirements?

• Managers, professionals, and business owners who do not have a formal legal background but are involved in negotiating, drafting, or managing contracts as part of their roles.
• Individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of contract law to better navigate legal agreements, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance within their organisations.
• Professionals in finance, human resources, procurement, or any field that deals with contracts, needing the essential knowledge and skills to handle contractual matters with confidence and competence.

This course is one of many offerings from Executive and Professional Development (EPD) at the University of Auckland Business School. Discover how EPD can support you or your organisation — learn more here.

Payment for short courses is normally by credit card. If you need to pay by invoice or require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. Please note that the University does not issue individual invoices for amounts less than $500 New Zealand dollars.

By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions