Legal Masterclass

This specially curated Legal Masterclass takes place in London during our Summer Masterclass season. Participants have the opportunity to learn from legal experts, visit sites of legal significance, and gain insight into some of the most important areas of international business law.

The course delves into crucial aspects of international law, focusing on the vital distinctions between common law and civil law systems. It emphasizes the profound impact these legal frameworks can have on business operations, particularly in dispute resolution.

The course also addresses the intricacies of international commercial contracts, commonly drafted in English and governed by English law. Emphasizing the shift towards clear and direct contract drafting in Plain English, the masterclass hones in on essential skills for creating contracts that align with both legal and commercial objectives.

Additionally, participants will gain insights into commonly overlooked miscellaneous or boilerplate clauses, with a specific focus on the dispute resolution clause. The masterclass navigates the complexities of resolving business disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), exploring options such as litigation, arbitration, mediation, and the incorporation of tiered dispute resolution clauses.

To give participants a real insight into the common law legal system, there will be a visit to the Royal Courts of Justice, a stunning historical building where some of the country’s most significant legal judgements are made. 

The course consists of group discussions as well as individual and team tasks. There will be plenty of exercises throughout the programme. The presenter will be engaged with the participants at all times, welcoming class discussions regularly. There will be a site visit to places of legal significance. 

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the basic differences between the common law and civil law systems
• Explain how the different systems of law affect how business is carried out in different jurisdictions
• Apply best practice in contract drafting
• Examine dispute resolution clauses in cross border contracts
• List the advantages and disadvantages of Arbitration v Litigation v Mediation

This course is suitable for lawyers, commercial managers, legal consultants and anyone who deals with cross border contracts drafted in English, dispute resolution, or who has a general interest in commercial and business law.

• Understand common law v civil law
• Draft contracts in Plain English
• Mitigate risks with miscellaneous/boilerplate clauses
• Negotiate warranties and indemnities
• Decide on best form of dispute resolution: Arbitration v Litigation v Mediation