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Falconbury

Drafting International Commercial Agreements in English Training Course

The complete guide to drafting and negotiating clear and concise commercial agreements in English. Presented by an expert linguist with extensive experience in commercial law.

★★★★★ "The speaker was very professional and I particularly liked the usage of plain English for drafting c... more (38)"

5-7 February 2024
+ 14-16 May 2024, 12-14 November 2024 »

from £1099

Need help?  Enrol or reserve

  • Format: Live online
  • CPD: 18 hours for your records
  • Certificate of completion

Course overview

Most international agreements are drafted in the English language irrespective of the nationality of contracting parties. Language errors in the text and unclear and inconcise phrasing cause confusion and can ultimately lead to a dispute if they go unnoticed. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the common pitfalls, key areas of risk and up-to-date drafting techniques in English to ensure you protect your organisation against unnecessary risk.

What are the objectives of this programme?

  1. Learn how to recognise drafting inaccuracies to effectively re-draft poorly written clauses
  2. Draft effective standard clauses that can be used across the organisation to manage exposure to legal risk
  3. Understand the principles of using plain English within your contract to reduce uncertainty
  4. Focus on agreement structure, linguistic clarity and accuracy to draft with confidence
  5. Discover how to avoid over complex sentences and structures to limit the risk of dispute
  6. Develop more effective legal writing skills that can be used in all your business communications

Who should attend?

  • Lawyers working in industry and government
  • Lawyers in banks and financial institutions
  • Lawyers in private practice
  • Lawyers and corporate executives involved in the drafting of contracts in English

This training course is part of our Commercial Contracts Training Course collection which has been designed for the in-house lawyer.

Enrol or reserve

The Drafting International Commercial Agreements in English course will cover:

PRACTICIAL EXERCISE: Guidelines to clear writing/drafting contracts in clear English

  • How to structure clauses
  • Using the language of obligation and discretion accurately: shall, may and must
  • Avoiding old-fashioned language
  • Effective use of provisos and exceptions (eg ‘provided that’ and ‘notwithstanding’)

Structure and terminology of contracts

  • Applying the key elements, terms, phrases and structures
  • Preamble
  • Recitals
  • Performance related clauses
    • Force majeure
    • Liquidated damages
    • Governing law, etc
  • Boilerplate or standard clauses
    • Amendment
    • Assignment
    • Severability, etc

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Drafting standard clauses in English

During this practical session, participants will apply the principles above to the redrafting of a range of clauses from international commercial agreements. Both individual and group work exercises will be undertaken with results reviewed in a group forum and constructive feedback and guidance supplied by the expert trainer.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Legal vocabulary

During this session, participants will work through exercises both individually and in groups to develop their knowledge of legal vocabulary.


Email and letter writing with precision and clarity

  • Different types of written communication and their appropriate use
  • Examples of standard opening and closing
  • Differences between semi-formal and informal register
  • Structuring a letter of advice
  • Differences between British and American English

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Drafting emails with precision and clarity

The participants will apply the principles above by redrafting a badly written piece of legal correspondence.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Proof reading

Participants will carry out exercises in which they have to identify and correct a series of errors in legal correspondence and memoranda including:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Spelling

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Redrafting

Following a review of the principles of clear drafting taught during day one, the participants will develop these skills further by redrafting more complex clauses whilst making necessary amendments to protect the interests of one of the parties.

Legal vocabulary

There will be a series of exercises to develop the knowledge of the participants of legal vocabulary including the differences between British and American English.

Delegate contributions

All participants are invited to bring with them examples of their own work/contracts, edited to ensure confidentiality, for review by the expert trainer. Constructive feedback will be given in each case. (NB: Because of time constraints, it will not be possible to review entire agreements or extensive sections. Participants are requested to limit their contributions to selected clauses or short sections.)

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: Advanced contract drafting

Participants will be working in small teams to draft a number of clauses from scratch based on written instructions. The clauses will be taken from the following types of agreements:

  • Licence agreement
  • Distribution agreement
  • Share purchase agreement
  • Lease agreement
  • Employment agreement

Legal advice

Participants will also write letters of advice in relation to some of the clauses that they have redrafted during day one and day two.

The letters will seek to:

  • Summarise the clause
  • Point out to what extent the clause as currently drafted is not in the interests of their client
  • Explain how the clause should be amended

Grammar

Exercises on the use of prepositions and countable nouns in a legal context.

Enrol or reserve

Alan Simmons
Consultant

Alan Simmons LLB (Hons) in Law with French LLM, RSA CETEFLA. Alan is a highly experienced trainer of legal English who has been working with international lawyers across the globe for over 20 years to enhance their skills at drafting concise and watertight clauses in the English language. He qualified as a solicitor in England and has passed the New York Bar with a view to becoming a US qualified lawyer. He studied law in the UK, Strasbourg and the European University in Florence and then went on to train as a solicitor in an international law firm and practised in commercial law in law firms in London. He has used this experience to successfully train legal staff from junior counsel to judges in all elements of international commercial law across the world. Alan is a dynamic trainer and applies a highly interactive style to ensure complete understanding and an enjoyable learning experience.

More details

NEW higher discounts for multiple bookings - bring your colleagues to make your training budget go further:

  • 30% off the 2nd delegate*
  • 40% off the 3rd delegate*
  • 50% off the 4th delegate*

Please contact us for pricing if you are interested in booking 5 or more delegates

5-7 February 2024

Live online

09:30-17:00 UK (London) (UTC+00)
10:30-18:00 Paris (UTC+01)
04:30-12:00 New York (UTC-05)
Course code 14186

  • GBP 1,099 1,399
  • EUR 1,589 2,009
  • USD 1,821 2,289

Until 01 Jan

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Not ready to book yet?

for 7 days, no obligation

14-16 May 2024

Live online

09:30-17:00 UK (London) (UTC+01)
10:30-18:00 Paris (UTC+02)
04:30-12:00 New York (UTC-04)
Course code 13646

  • GBP 1,099 1,399
  • EUR 1,589 2,009
  • USD 1,821 2,289

Until 09 Apr

View basket 

 
Not ready to book yet?

for 7 days, no obligation

12-14 November 2024

Live online

09:30-17:00 UK (London) (UTC+00)
10:30-18:00 Paris (UTC+01)
04:30-12:00 New York (UTC-05)
Course code 14040

  • GBP 1,099 1,399
  • EUR 1,589 2,009
  • USD 1,821 2,289

Until 08 Oct

View basket 

 
Not ready to book yet?

for 7 days, no obligation

* Early booking discounts may not be combined with other discounts or offers. As such, the discounts for 2nd/3rd/4th delegates are based on the full price.

Reviews of IPI's Drafting International Commercial Agreements in English training course


The course was excellent thanks to Alan and his working method. His passion for language and words were such an inspiration. I would recommend this course !

Nov 15 2022

Laure Corbier
Lawyer, UEFA

Nov 13 2019

The speaker was very professional and I particularly liked the usage of plain English for drafting commercial contracts.

Xaypaseuth Phomsoupha
Chief Contractual Consultant, Sivath & Associates Sole Co., Ltd

Mar 12 2019

This was a great training. Thanks to the speaker's interactive approach you have the opportunity to learn a lot on contract drafting, legal vocabulary, punctuation and grammar. Finishing touch are the proverbs. The training is useful for non-native speakers. Tips and tricks are included in the training material.

Tinneke De Boeck
Paralegal, Terumo Europe NV

Mar 12 2019

Very good speaker, friendly with a lot of knowledge and patience. Practical hands on course. Excellent.

Elsbeth Bertheux
Senior Legal Counsel, Interxion HeadQuarters BV

Nov 13 2019

The course provides a clear and relevant overview of the most important lessons for drafting contracts and I received many practical and useful tips. Alan is very clear in his communications and is able to explain everything very well and keep the course interesting for the whole three days. The course definitely enables you to put the lessons learned into practice right away.

Raph Dijkstra
Junior Legal Counsel, Royal HaskoningDHV UK Lts

Mar 13 2018

The presentation was excellent and the content was interesting.

Sandrine Foster
Head of Purchasing Group / Contracts Officer, EUMETSAT

Mar 13 2018

I liked it. I will consider coming back for other courses conducted by Falconbury.

Hammad Al-Hammad
Legal Researcher, Saline Water Conversion Corp.

Mar 13 2018

Alan Simmons is an excellent individual with amazing teaching skills.

Radhika Mahass
In Legal Training,

Mar 13 2018

I really enjoyed the training and I learned a lot. More than I expected. The content was good. Good mix of language/grammar/spelling exercises and drafting exercises. Lots of opportunity to ask questions and to discuss plenary. Engaging speaker.

Marjon Vloedbeld
International Legal Counsel / Advocaat, Ranstad Holding nv

Mar 14 2017

Mr Simmons is an expert in the topic and has great linguistic skills that are very helpful. He has a remarkable capacity to pass on his (considerable) knowledge in the clearest way and is very encouraging. The course was clear, dynamic and to the point. The best lecture I have attended.

Eliane Van Hoffelen

Nov 15 2017

The speaker is really good.

Kadi Raudsepp
Legal Director, Admiral Markets AS

Nov 14 2016

Very useful.

Rouda Bahzad
Legal Counsel, Qatar Foundation

Mar 14 2016

Excellent. I liked that we were well prepared by the speaker for all exercises. Alan gave us the e ssentials of grammar, vocabulary and punctuation in a shortened but accessible fashion. The training was interactive so it was easy to keep focus.

Anastasiia Bezulenko
Assistant Contracts Officer, Octagon Professionals

Mar 14 2016

The course is very interactive and the speaker is good.

Pilar Riviere
IOC Television & Marketing Services SA

Mar 14 2016

Three intensive days, proactivity required (which is really appreciated) and an excellent teacher!

Alice LANDRAIN
VALNEVA SE

Nov 11 2015

Clear, accurate and very skilled speaker.

Michela Carnini
Assistant Manager, Helsinn Healthcare SA

Mar 23 2015

Very good

Anastasia Iliopoulou
Legal Associate, Pharmaserve Lilly SACI

Mar 23 2015

Very useful and detailed

Borislav Dakic
Director of Legal Department, Hemofarm AD

Mar 23 2015

Great course

Efrat Eldan Schechter
Shamir Optical Industry

Mar 23 2015

Very good, high level

Aart Besuijen
VP Legal - Commercial Contracting, Interxion Headquarters BV

Mar 23 2015

Very useful and well organised

Maria Stefania De Santis
Legal Expert , Eurocontrol

Nov 12 2014

Wonderful

Natasa Sagernik
Contract Administrator, Nuklearna elektrarna Krsko d.o.o

Nov 12 2014

Wonderful

Natasa Sagernik
Contract Administrator, Nuklearna elektrarna Krsko d.o.o

Nov 12 2014

Very interesting and energetic training

Anna Chara
License Agreement Specialist, Polpharma Trade Office

Mar 24 2014

Really useful course

Veronica Rossi
Legal Counsel, DENSO Europe B.V.

Nov 12 2014

Overall the course (content and speaker) were high up in my expectations

Leticia Campos Buaiz
Legal Advisor, Trac Oil and Gas Ltd

Nov 12 2014

Very intensive and interactive course

Stéphane Adam
Head of Legal for Western Europe Region - IBFS, Societe Generale

Nov 12 2014

Pragmatic alive

Stéphane Adam
Head of Legal for Western Europe Region - IBFS, Societe Generale

Nov 13 2013

Very useful course. Thanks to brilliant Mr. Simmons!

Christian R. Frick
Senior Legal Counsel, OMV Aktiengesellschaft

Nov 13 2013

I liked everything – content, presentation and especially the speaker.

Anna Korneeva
Lawyer, JSC Polymetal Management

Nov 13 2013

The course was really interesting and useful. It wasn't hard to understand the speaker or to carry out the tasks but was challenging and interesting enough.

Evgeniya Kudrova
Lawyer, JSC Polymetal Management

Nov 13 2013

The course is a very useful training for non-native speakers. Through practical exercises and the interactive approach, you not only gradually improve your contract drafting skills, but also refresh your knowledge of grammar and legal vocabulary. The tips and tricks also have their relevance for contract drafting in general, regardless of the contract language.

Sophie Isebaert
In-house counsel, Honda Europe NV

Mar 25 2013

It was great and clear

Ohoud Almugairen
Dar Aluloom University, -

Nov 13 2013

Very concrete, useful.

Anne Mercier
legal counsel, ORANGINA SCHWEPPES

Nov 13 2013

Excellent course and a great speaker!

María Pedrosa Martínez
Contracts Lawyer, Repsol S.A.

Nov 19 2012

The speaker is an experienced attorney with a deep knowledge of several cultures. The course was condense and straight to the point.

Mohamad Malak
Associate Lawyer, MBC Group

Nov 19 2012

Mr Simmons helped me to improve my writing skills

Josef Gadermayr
Legal Counsel, UC4 Software GmbH

Nov 19 2012

It is fair for lawyers level

Ali Shabeb AbdulRahman Al Al Fuhaid
Senior Lawyer, Tawuniya

Netherlands

  • Ajilon Technology Aerospace BV
  • Akzo Nobel Nederland BV
  • Astellas Pharma Europe BV
  • DENSO Europe B.V.
  • DENSO Europe BV
  • ESA/ESTEC
  • European Space Agency / ESTEC
  • FrieslandCampina
  • Glaxosmithkline BV
  • Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland BV
  • ING Investment Management
  • ING Investment Management (Europe) B.V.
  • ING Real Estate Investment Management Holding BV
  • Inter IKEA Systems B.V.
  • International Criminal Court- Cour Pénale Internationale
  • Interxion Headquarters BV
  • Nike European Operations Netherlands BV
  • NN Investment Partners International Holdings BV
  • Octagon Professionals
  • Pentair Thermal Management Netherlands B.V.
  • Philips Electronic Nederland B.V
  • Philips Electronic Nederland B.V, Phillips GSU/MBS NL3i
  • Philips Electronics Nederland B.V., Phillips GSU /MBS NL3i
  • Philips International B.V.
  • Philips International B.V. - department Group Legal Eindhoven
  • Ranstad Holding nv
  • Schiphol Group/ Corporate Legal
  • Schweppes International Ltd
  • SES New Skies BV
  • SES World Skies
  • Shell International B.V.
  • TomTom International B.V.

Switzerland

  • Acino Pharma AG
  • Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
  • Alstom Switzerland Ltd
  • Bank of International Settlements
  • Biogen Idec
  • Bobst Mex SA
  • CIBA VISION AG
  • DAYER KOOGER & METRAL
  • Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
  • Helsinn Healthcare SA
  • Hocoma AG
  • INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC)
  • International Olympic Committee Television & Marketing Services, SA
  • IOC Television & Marketing Services SA
  • Novartis International AG
  • O-I Europe Sarl
  • Octapharma AG
  • Single Buoy Moorings Bureau D'Etudes SAM
  • Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd
  • Synthes GmbH
  • UBS AG
  • UEFA

France

  • Airbus SAS
  • Alstom Power Service
  • Amadeus SAS
  • Arianespace
  • Auchanhyper
  • BNP Paribas Fund Services Ltd
  • Fives
  • Lesaffre International
  • Natixis Factor
  • NISSAN EUROPE SAS
  • ORANGINA SCHWEPPES
  • Renault SAS
  • Saint-Gobain Emballage
  • Saur
  • Societe Generale
  • Sogeti France
  • SOLETANCHE BACHY
  • Stallergenes
  • VALNEVA SE
  • Vilmorin & Cie
  • Wärtsilä France SAS

Belgium

  • AG Real Estate
  • BEFIMMO SA
  • Belgacom Skynet
  • BNP Paribas Investment Partners Belgium NV/SA
  • Chevron Phillips International N.V.
  • Dewey Leboeuf LLP
  • Eurocontrol
  • Honda Europe NV
  • Jan DE NUK NV
  • Jan DE NUL nv
  • Sappi Fine Paper Europe SA
  • Terumo Europe NV
  • UPS Europe SPRL

Germany

  • AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
  • Berlin-Chemie AG
  • Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
  • Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
  • Celesio AG
  • Eaton Industries GMBH
  • Electrolux Deutschland GmbH
  • Elektrobit Automotive GmbH
  • EUMETSAT
  • European Space Operations Centre
  • Ingram Micro Holding GmbH
  • SIEMENS AG
  • VNG-Verbundnetz Gas AG

Denmark

  • Advodan Glostrup
  • ALK-Abelló AS
  • Cisco Systems
  • DAHL Lawfirm
  • DELACOUR
  • Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S
  • FLSmidth A/S
  • H Lundbeck AS
  • Roenne & Lundgren
  • Toms Confectionery Group AS
  • Vestas Wind Systems AS

Austria

  • Bank Fur Tirol und Vorarlberg AG
  • Central European Gas Hub AG
  • Eaton GmbH
  • Hairdreams Haarhandels GmbH
  • Haslinger/Nagele & Partner
  • OMV Aktiengesellschaft
  • Rohoel-Aufsuchungs Aktiengesellschaft - RAG
  • Schmid Industrieholding Ges mbH
  • UC4 Software GmbH
  • Wopfinger Stein u. Kalkwerke Schmid & Co. KG

Saudi Arabia

  • -
  • Ala'a Yamani & Muneer Jamjoom
  • Capital Market Authority
  • Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC)
  • Mobily Etihad Etisalat
  • Prince Sultan University
  • Saline Water Conversion Corp.
  • Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company
  • Tawuniya
  • The Supreme Commission for Tourism

Italy

  • Alenia Aeronautica SpA
  • Avv Giovanni Soliani
  • Banca Carige SPA
  • Danieli and C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
  • INDENA SpA
  • OTO Melara Spa
  • Soremartec Italia 8RL-Ferrero Group

Russia

  • BP Trading Ltd Moscow Representative Off
  • Branch of LUKOIL Overseas Service BV (the Netherlands in Moscow)
  • JSC Polymetal Management
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Russian Maritime Register of Shipping
  • VIYM
  • ZAO Alcatel-Lucent

Hungary

  • Alstom Hungaria Zrt
  • Budapest Airport plc
  • MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant Ltd.
  • Nagy Es Trocsanyi Ugyvedi Iroda
  • Raiffesen Bank

Luxembourg

  • Creos Luxembourg S.A
  • Enovos International SA
  • Ortis S.A
  • Societe Generale Bank & Trust
  • Tyco Group Sàrl

Romania

  • Law Office of Irina Anghel
  • Romtrans SA
  • SC Petromservice SA
  • SC Romtelecom SA
  • SNTGN TRANSGAZ SA

United Arab Emirates

  • Abu Dhabi Terminals
  • Afridi & Angell
  • Al Khaleej Sugar LLC
  • MBC Group
  • Total UAE LLC

United Kingdom

  • EUSA Pharma (Europe) Limited
  • Meridian Securities (UK) Ltd
  • Royal HaskoningDHV UK Lts
  • S&C Asset Management
  • Trac Oil and Gas Ltd

Czech Republic

  • Alstom SRO
  • Brno University of Technology
  • ExxonMobil Business Support Center Czechia s.r.o.
  • Hexion AS

Kazakhstan

  • JSC KazTransCom
  • Maersk Oil Kazakhstan GmbH
  • TengizChevrOil LLP
  • TOO OilTechnoGroup

Spain

  • Corporación Medichem, SL
  • Dragados Concesiones
  • Repsol S.A.
  • Syngenta Agro, SA

Sweden

  • Akzo Nobel Sweden Finance AB (publ)
  • Biacore Ab
  • Tactical IPR AB
  • Wistrand Advokatbyrå KB

Turkey

  • Tupras Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp
  • TURKCELL
  • Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.
  • Turkıye Is Bankasi AS

Azerbaijan

  • Azercell Telecom LLC
  • Bakcell Ltd
  • SOCAR Midstream Operations Limited

Cameroon

  • Buges
  • Etablissements Messie
  • Sadre Cjc

Finland

  • NOKIA CORPORATION
  • Nokia Mobile Phones
  • Wärtsilä Finland Oy

Nigeria

  • Federal Housing Authority
  • Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc
  • NDDC, Nigeria

Norway

  • Det Norske Veritas AS
  • Esso Norge AS
  • Torvald Klaveness

Qatar

  • Ali Bin Ali Establishment
  • Ooredoo
  • Qatar foundation

Brazil

  • De Lage Landen
  • SBM Offshore Ltd

Croatia

  • Hrvatske vode
  • INA-Industrija Nafte dd

Cyprus

  • Cyprus Telecommunications Authority CYTA
  • Papacharalambous & Angelides Law

Ghana

  • FE Sackey Company Ltd
  • Ghana Shippers Authority

Kuwait

  • Kuwait National Petroleum Company Head Office
  • Kuwait National Petrolum Company

Lebanon

  • M1 Global Ltd
  • Sukleen

Oman

  • Omani-Qatari Telecommunication ( Nawras)
  • Zahir

Poland

  • Polpharma Trade Office
  • Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo Spólka Akcyjna

Portugal

  • Linklaters
  • SonaeCom, SGPS, SA

Slovak Republic

  • Enel Slovenske Elektrarne AS
  • Eurotel Bratislava as

Slovenia

  • Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Slovenia
  • Nuklearna elektrarna Krsko d.o.o

Albania

  • Tirana International Airport SHPK

Angola

  • Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Ltd

Belarus

  • Japan Tobacco International S&D Foreign Limited Liability Company

China

  • Akzo Nobel Nederland B.V

Estonia

  • Admiral Markets AS

Greece

  • Pharmaserve Lilly SACI

Guinea

  • MARGRET FOUNDATION

Israel

  • Shamir Optical Industry

Jordan

  • Ferring Pharmaceuticals S.A.

Lao People's Democratic Republic

  • Sivath & Associates Sole Co., Ltd

Malta

  • Tipico Co. Ltd.

Monaco

  • SBM Offshore

Pakistan

  • Higher Education Commission (HEC)

Serbia

  • Hemofarm AD

Sri Lanka

  • Commercial Bank of Ceylon Ltd

Ukraine

  • DLA PIPER UKRAINE

Zimbabwe

  • Zimnat Lion Insurance Company

Enrol or reserve

Run Drafting International Commercial Agreements in English Live online for your team

3 days

Typical duration

Pricing from:

  • GBP 1,200
  • Per attendee, based on 10 attendees
  • Course tailored to your requirements
  • At your choice of location, or online

 

We can customise this course to your requirements and deliver it on an in-house basis for any number of your staff or colleagues.

Contact our in-house training experts Aleksandra Beer and Yesim Nurko to discuss your requirements:

Multiple colleagues? See above for details of our discounts for 2, 3, or 4 delegates. For more, talk to one of our training experts to discuss how to:

Run this course conveniently and cost-effectively in-house for your staff and colleagues

Aleksandra Beer

Aleksandra BEER
Training expert

Yesim Nurko

Yesim NURKO
Training expert

+44 (0)20 7749 4749

inhouse@ipi.academy