You began the mediation or negotiation with energy, focus, and drive. You presented your position and listened to the other guy. Now, after hours of back-and-forth, the deal is almost done, save for signing an agreement. But, it’s late, your energy is gone, and you’re focused on driving home.
Wait! Don’t leave yet! “Don’t put off for tomorrow what can (and should) be done today.”
Someone else like you recently succeeded on a simple, two-page “Term Sheet” at the end of a single-day, 12-hour mediation. That Term Sheet was the best thing between efficiently winning a multi-million dollar dispute and potentially losing in litigation.
Next time you close a deal, get the essential terms on paper and signed by all parties before it’s Miller Time. Essential terms may include: price, time for payment, releases, warranties, confidentiality terms, and signatures. You’ll avoid headaches and needless cost when you do.
If possible, draft an agreement among all parties before the mediation or negotiation session begins so you’re not doing it with a foggy head in the wee hours of the morning.
Roads & Bridges
Where Does the Buck Stop?
Jon is a monthly contributor to Roads & Bridges magazine. He has been writing the law section for the magazine since January 2020. The link below will take you directly to the Roads & Bridges […]
Pay-If-Paid Unenforceable in Virginia Starting Jan. 1, 2023
As of Jan. 1, 2023, pay-if-paid clauses are unenforceable, regardless of whether a surety/payment bond claim is involved. This is only for subcontracts created on/after 1/1/23.
Also for subcontracts created on/after 1/1/23, the prime must specifically […]
How Short is Too Short
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Construction Contracting Without Relief Clauses During COVID-19
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Your Contract Can Handle COVID-19
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Contractors Can Use RFI to Notify the Government
The Board (and the government) should not elevate form over substance in evaluating the sufficiency of a contractor’s notice.
Taxes Due!
It’s tax season again, so it’s time to pay the piper.
Contractor Wins when Government Reconsiders Accord
Ever had buyer’s remorse or second-guessed a decision? When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did that, a Contractor won its claim for time and money.
On a flood control project near Nogales, Arizona, severe flooding […]
Claim Certified with Digital Signature Deemed OK
The law is not a trend-setter. It doesn’t readily change or adapt to tech. So, a commonplace practice in business became a dispute when a claimant digitally certified a claim under the Contract Disputes Act.
Jonathan J. Straw
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Partner | KraftsonCaudle.com
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