Drafting Contracts —
Language and Layout

A rigorous overview of the elements of
clear and effective drafting by “a world-
renowned expert in contract drafting*

* The Lawyers Weekly, Canada

A One-Day Seminar
21-25 April 2008
Geneva, Switzerland

Seminar Leader

Kenneth A. Adams
Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Author, A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting

Summary

Drafting contracts is a fundamental part of being a corporate lawyer. But it’s also challenging. Traditionally, lawyers have received little training in contract drafting, and drafting has generally consisted of recycling contract language of questionable quality and relevance.

Ken Adams offers an antidote—a uniquely rigorous overview of issues relating to contract language and layout, based on his book A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting. This series of seminars is being hosted by the Geneva office of the global law firm Hogan & Hartson and is being supported by ACC Europe (a chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, the premier association for in-house counsel) and the International Bar Association.

This seminar explores how to make your contracts clear and effective. The focus is not on what to say in a given contract, but on how to say it. Both U.S. and English drafting usages are examined. The seminar is interactive: participants discuss examples, work through problems, and do short drafting exercises.

This seminar represents a unique opportunity for anyone
who wishes to significantly improve their drafting of English-language contracts. It is intended for both native English speakers and those who have learned English as a foreign language, and it would be suitable for both junior and more senior lawyers. Each seminar will be limited to no more than 14 particiipants, and each participant will be provided with a copy of A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting at no additional charge.

Agenda

About the Seminar Leader

Kenneth A. Adams is uniquely qualified to lead this seminar. He has offered—in two books and numerous articles—groundbreaking analysis of contract language. His most recent book, A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting (American Bar Association 2004), is one of the ABA’s best-selling titles. Ken has extensive hands-on experience, having practiced corporate law at major law firms in the U.S. and Europe. But he doesn’t simply recycle the conventional wisdom—instead he offers advice that is rigorous, practical, and often innovative. And as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a consultant to major corporations, he has extensive experience in sharing his expertise with students and practitioners. His website and blog are at www.adamsdrafting.com.

Testimonials

This seminar encourages you to use straightforward language, do away with redundancies and obsolete jargon, and constantly question the adequacy of traditional usages. Non-native English speakers should find it especially valuable. Case examples and skilful presentation, coupled with Ken’s obvious passion for his subject and his sense of humor in conveying it, made the seminar truly enjoyable and persuasive.
Karlis Alksnis · Senior Counsel · SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA

This is a brilliant seminar that will have an impact on my day-to-day work. Anyone who wants to better understand the language of contracts would find it very useful.
Jose Checa · Legal Adviser · Information and Related Support Services · ISO Central Secretariat

For any European lawyer who is routinely called on to review, revise, or explain U.S.-style contracts, Ken Adams’s seminar is a blessing. He shows you that English-language contracts can, and should, be drafted much more clearly than they currently are.
Arndt Welge · Corporate Counsel · VeriSign Switzerland S.A.

Dates and Locations

Monday, 21 April through Friday, 25 April 2008

Hogan & Hartson LLP
3, rue François Bellot

1206 Geneva

Switzerland

Tel.: +41 (0) 22 787 40 00

Registration

2 ways to register:
Email acceurope@kelleneurope.com
Click here to go to the registration form.

If you have any questions regarding registration,
please telephone ACC Europe at +32 (0) 2 774 9613
or email Ken Adams at kadams@adamsdrafting.com.

Fees

850 Euros (600 Euros for any member of ACC Europe or the International Bar Association and for any participant from an organization that registers three or more participants).

Includes attendance, seminar materials, a copy of A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting, break refreshments, and lunch.

Payment

Registration will not be complete until we receive your payment. You can pay by credit card, as well as by bank transfer to the following bank account; you are responsible for any bank charges. Please indicate the name of each participant being paid for. Invoices issued on request.

Commerce Bank
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Account Title: AdamsDrafting
Account No.: 7926574182
SWIFT Code: CBNAUS33
ABA No.: 026013673
Reference: April 2008 Seminars

Note that the U.S. doesn’t participate in IBAN.

Substitutions and Cancellation

You may authorize anyone to attend a seminar in your place. If you wish to cancel, we will send you a full refund (minus a 50 Euro administration fee) if you contact ACC Europe by telephone or email (see “Registration”) no later than 14 days before the seminar.

Brochure

Click here for a copy of a brochure describing the seminar.