Business Contracts & Agreements, Confidentiality

With business contracts and leases, it is essential to properly prepare all agreements in order to avoid costly mistakes and future litigation. At the law firm of Richard A. Schurr, P.A., we provide experienced, competent legal representation for clients all over Florida regarding business contracts and agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, non-competition agreements, leases, and purchases and sale of businesses.

A business contract that is legally enforceable must have an offer, acceptance and consideration. Some contracts fall under the Statute of Frauds, which means they must be in writing in order to be valid. Other contracts involving sale of goods are governed by the UCC.

The law firm of Richard A. Schurr, P.A. is pleased to assist clients with drafting enforceable business contracts, or with resolving contract disputes as effectively and efficiently as possible, whether through alternative dispute resolution or litigation.

Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements are commonly used in employer-employee relationships and in licensing matters. These agreements should provide a specific definition of "confidential" information, what does not constitute confidential information, terms of the agreement, remedies for breach, and provisions for attorney's fees.

When drafting a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement, it is important to have an experienced attorney who can help prepare an enforceable agreement and explain how the terms will affect you and your business. The attorneys at Richard A. Schurr, P.A. can discuss your legal options help you protect your valuable trade secrets and confidential business information through a valid non-disclosure agreement.

Non-competition agreements must be reasonable with respect to time, geographic area, and type of business, there must be a legitimate business interest, and the non-competition agreement must be reasonably necessary to protect this interest.

A "legitimate business interest" can include trade secrets taken from the employer, confidential information, or any unique or specialized training received by the employee. "Reasonably necessary" depends on factors such as geographic scope and the duration of the covenant not to compete. For example, an agreement not to compete will usually be enforceable in the geographic area where the employer does business.

Again, it is important to retain an attorney before signing or drafting a non-competition agreement in order to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

When leasing property, a written agreement detailing the landlord and tenant's rights and obligations is advisable in order to protect both parties. A valid lease agreement must include the names of the landlord and tenant, the amount of rent, a description of the property, start date, and granting clause. Including additional terms can help prevent costly and time-consuming problems later on, such as clauses regarding the security deposit, late fees, parking rules, and limitations on assignment of the lease.

If you require legal assistance with drafting or enforcing a lease agreement, contact Richard A. Schurr, P.A. to help protect your rights and avoid any costly problems arising from lease disputes.

Before purchasing a business, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney review the transaction documents and carry out a due diligence investigation. The law firm of Richard A. Schurr, P.A. can assist you during the due diligence phase to investigate the seller's business, and request key information such as litigation history, tax matters, employee and labor relations, agreements with third parties.

If you are selling your business, Richard A. Schurr, P.A. can assist you in preparing any transaction documents and responding to information requested by the buyer.

The attorneys at Richard A. Schurr, P.A. have successfully represented clients all over Florida in matters involving business and landlord-tenant law, and brings to each client the business and legal experience necessary to provide the highest-quality legal representation. If you require legal assistance regarding a business contract, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement, non-competition agreement, lease, or the purchase and sale of a business, please call Richard A. Schurr, P.A. at (305) 204-4924 or submit our online Contact Us form to schedule your initial consultation.