How to draft a contract between two parties: A step-by-step checklist Know your parties. Agree on the terms. Set clear boundaries. Spell out the consequences. Specify how you will resolve disputes. Cover confidentiality. Check the legality of the contract. Open it up to negotiation.
The agreement must be in writing. The agreement must relate to a particular complaint or particular proceedings. The employee must have received independent legal advice on the agreement and in particular on its effect on their ability to pursue the statutory rights in question.
At the outset of settlement negotiations, list all individuals and entities—both for the plaintiff and the defendant—that the agreement will cover. ✔ List all legal issues to be settled. List all claims your adversary may legally release via settlement. Verify the agreement covers these claims.
Drafting a Settlement Agreement Checklist (Federal) ✔ Retain relevant documents. ✔ Decide whether (and when) to make offer. ✔ Evaluate the reasons for settling. ✔ Assess motivating factors to settle. ✔ Confirm client's ability to settle. ✔ List all covered parties. ✔ List all legal issues to be settled.
Write the contract in six steps Start with a contract template. Open with the basic information. Describe in detail what you have agreed to. Include a description of how the contract will be ended. Write into the contract which laws apply and how disputes will be resolved. Include space for signatures.