Contract Law

“The faintest ink is better than the strongest memory.”

Contract Law

“The faintest ink is better than the strongest memory.”

At C Diedericks Attorneys Inc. we understand that in a highly competitive and constrained economy every business requires its economic interests and relationships to be protected as far as possible. There is no better way to do this than to ensure that your business relationships are regulated by tailor made contracts that reflect the needs and practical realties of your industry. In this regard, we believe that an initial investment in a well drafted, negotiated and executed contract is far superior to approaching a court or arbitrator for relief at a later stage due to uncertainties in the terms of an agreement. 

Unlike other firms, our offices offer a personalized service that will consider and cater for the unique needs of your business and its industry. We do not use generic templates when we attend to your drafting instructions, but rather prefer to draft each agreement from scratch to ensure it meets all your unique needs.

Moreover, we do not see complex, cross border and multiparty agreements as a barrier. The ailing South African economy has meant that many businesses are forced to look elsewhere for opportunities. Our firm is the ideal partner in helping you navigate the general legal and contractual elements in your international business journey. Similarly, we are experienced in assisting offshore clients who do business in South Africa with contractual drafting, negotiation, and advisory services.

Contractual Services We Offer

Drafting, negotiation and execution of: 

 

  • Various sale agreements
  • Credit agreements and acknowledgements of debt
  • Joint venture agreements
  • Residential and corporate lease agreements
  • Service level agreements;
  • Various agreements in relation to shareholding in companies
  • Employment contracts
  • Non-disclosure agreements
  • Suretyship agreements, pledge agreements and drafting of bonds over movable property 
  • Agreements common in the agricultural sector (including but not limited to, contract farming, lease of agricultural land and hire or sale agreements for agricultural implements) 
  • Agreements relating to the mining sector (off-take agreements, joint ventures, mine service provider agreements, subcontracting agreements)
  • Agreements relating to the transport sector (subcontracting; fuel credit agreements and joint ventures)
  • Various agreements relating to the construction sector
  • Partnership and association agreements 

What is our Process?

1. Initial consultation and taking of instructions

Our firm prefers to meet in person or via Teams Link with our clients to discuss any proposed contract instruction. The aim of this first meeting is to establish the following: 

  1. Your needs and the type of agreement which they would like to have created, negotiated or advised on
  2. The timeframe in which you would like to have the agreement drafted, negotiated and executed
  3. Whether or not any negotiation with other parties will be necessary.

2. First draft and review phase

After our firm attended to the first draft of your contract, we will send you a copy to review and make suggestions in order to make sure that your unique requirements and instructions have been fully addressed and given effect to.

3. Final draft approval and execution

After you have approved our proposed final draft, we will assist you in the signature/execution of the agreement if needed. 

What Will It Cost Me?

As attorneys we do not sell products, but rather our time and knowledge spent on a particular matter. As a result of the many unique features of contract drafting instructions, we are unable to provide set prices each and every type of instruction. Therefore, our firm will provide you with a quotes on a case by case basis after conclusion of our first consultation.