There are a few things that truly help me to unwind from the demands of lawyering: the beach, a good book, exercise, and surprisingly…jigsaw puzzles. There is something incredibly calming about sitting down with hundreds of pieces, focusing on each one, and feeling that satisfaction when the final piece snaps into place. Each puzzle is a reminder that patience and purpose bring clarity to even the most complex of tasks.
I have a strategy that I stick to when putting together a puzzle. I start with the edges, building a solid foundation. Then I work inward, looking for colors or patterns that stand out, slowly building toward the whole picture. Finally, I tackle the toughest parts, like the vast, uniform blue of a sky or ocean, which demand extra patience and focus. But in the end, everything comes together—each piece exactly where it belongs.
Contracts, in many ways, are like these puzzles. Each clause and agreement can be carefully crafted to fit into a larger picture that aligns with a company’s mission, supports its core values, and mitigates risks. Done well, contracts can provide clarity and stability, helping a business build on its vision without unexpected gaps or challenges.
When selecting vendors, suppliers, or partners, it can be tempting to be swayed by a friendly salesperson or charismatic project manager. But people come and go. The real backbone of a sustainable relationship is the clear, solid agreement that defines roles, responsibilities, and commitments.
Consider an acquisition: a complex puzzle of interconnected contracts—such as purchase agreements, leases, transition services, and non-disclosures—that should work together to ensure a smooth transition from seller to buyer. If even one contract is missing or unclear, it can create gaps that undermine the entire deal. For example, a poorly drafted transition agreement can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, or service disruptions, while missing non-compete terms in a purchase agreement might narrow a buyer’s competitive advantage.
Contracts are more than legal formalities; they are often the backbone of sustainable business relationships, setting expectations and aligning values. When thoughtfully crafted, contracts can go beyond basic protection and function as tools that support a company’s mission and growth goals. Just as each piece in a puzzle contributes to the whole, each contract you sign can reinforce the purpose, protection, growth, and vision of your business.
Key Contract Elements To Consider
Align with Core Values: Contracts can reflect your mission and support the company’s ethical standards.
Protect Key Information: Consider confidentiality and ownership clauses to safeguard sensitive data and proprietary information.
Clarify Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables to help avoid misunderstandings and reinforce accountability.
Set Objective Criteria: Measurable standards and outcomes within a contract may support alignment with business goals and allow for objective evaluation of performance.
Meet Our Attorney
