Commercial contract drafting - fundamentals 2025

In the realm of commercial law the ability to craft precise airtight agreements is a cornerstone of success. Elevate your contract drafting skills with this introductory course to drafting commercial contracts.

Through a blend of engaging lectures, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, you'll learn the art and science of commercial contract drafting. Explore drafting techniques, best practices, and legal nuances that distinguish strong contract draftsmanship.

Whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects as a commercial lawyer, seeking to elevate your drafting skills as a business person, seeking to broaden your commercial contracts acumen, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of commercial contract drafting confidently.

Join us for a twenty-four-hour course, held over six days.

When and where?

The course is presented over six four-hour sessions.

19 to 22 August (Tuesday to Friday) and 27 to 28 August (Wednesday to Thursday) 2025, 13:00 to 17:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom. 

Course outline

The course will cover the following:

• General overview of commercial contracts (law of contract, obligation, agreement, contract, validity, essentialia, naturalia, incidentalia, conditions, guarantee, warranty, time, constitution)
• Obligations and expectations
• Commerciality (risk management, tax and good business practices)
• Selected related laws (consumer protection law, credit law, constitution, competition law, POPIA, company law)
• Drafting unimpeachable contracts (the role of a legal practitioner)
• Capacity, legality, authority, certainty and formalities
• Drafting a practical contract
• Drafting of different types of contracts
• Simulated agreements
• Conditions (suspensive and resolutive)
• Restraint of trade
• Other considerations in contract drafting (VAT, FICA and POPIA)
• Drafting an understandable contract (clauses, choice of words, organisation and design)
• Common terms (e.g. Whole agreement, variation, alternative dispute Resolution and jurisdiction)
• Risk mitigation and compliance
• Negotiation and communication skills
• Review and revision strategies
• Contract execution and management
• Case studies and practical exercises
• The impact of technology on contract drafting
• Breach and liability

Who will benefit from this course?

Commercial lawyers, business executives, corporate employees or entrepreneurs who are or will be involved with drafting and/or negotiating commercial contracts would benefit from this course.

Presenter

Dr Justice Mudzamiri is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He holds Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees. He combines practical and academic approaches to legal education. Justice is a prolific writer who publishes in peer-reviewed journals. His interests focus on corporate and commercial law.

How much?

R11,280 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

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