Legal Usage in Drafting Corporate Agreements

Surveys the conventions of language and structure in drafting corporate agreements. From a corporate lawyer in private practice comes a detailed analysis of, and guide to, the conventions of language and structure in drafting corporate agreements. Adams summarizes the traditional techniques of drafting and proposes alternatives that produce clearer, more efficient contracts. This comprehensive and pragmatic book includes examples of different usages and explains in detail the reasons for favoring one over another. Citing other authorities on drafting, legal writing, and English usage and grammar generally, as well as case law, Adams creates an authoritative context for his own arguments and advice. An appendix provides “before” and “after” versions of a sample contract identifying inefficient or archaic usages and proposing alternatives. This essential resource examines the parts of a contract and the drafting issues found in each. Adams pays particular attention to the categories of language that occur in the body of the contract and how best to express them.
He then addresses more general topics, including use of defined terms and references to time, and discusses various usage that tend to be problematic, such as provisos. Adams also discusses provisions that specify drafting conventions, examines the principles of effective general writing that apply to drafting, and considers aspects of the drafting process. Ideal for anyone who drafts, negotiates, or interprets corporate agreements, this work will find a place in the libraries and on the desks of practicing lawyers and law students alike.

Author Biography

KENNETH A. ADAMS practices corporate law at the New York law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP./e Before joining his present firm, he practiced in the New York office of Jones, Day, Reavis, & Pogue and the Geneva, Switzerland office of Winston & Strawn.