Virginia Contract Law

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    30 Contract Defenses
    Tom Cummins
    • Dec 24, 2020

    30 Contract Defenses

    If you’ve been accused of breaching a contract, there are a number of potential defenses. Here are 30.
    Is “fair market value” a sufficiently definite price term?
    Tom Cummins
    • Dec 10, 2020

    Is “fair market value” a sufficiently definite price term?

    If you’re going to have a “fair market value” price term in your contract, this case is a must read.
    Is a trust agreement a contract?
    Tom Cummins
    • Sep 21, 2020

    Is a trust agreement a contract?

    Contracts require mutual assent. Trust agreements, like wills, are unilateral acts.
    When is unjust enrichment applicable? Another look
    Tom Cummins
    • May 14, 2020

    When is unjust enrichment applicable? Another look

    If you are an owner or general contractor, a must read on potential liability for a sub's contracts.
    Is a counteroffer a rejection?
    Tom Cummins
    • Apr 10, 2020

    Is a counteroffer a rejection?

    You can take back your marriage vows, but not your rejected contract offers.
    What’s the difference between quantum meruit and unjust enrichment?
    Tom Cummins
    • Apr 9, 2020

    What’s the difference between quantum meruit and unjust enrichment?

    The Virginia Supreme Court explains.
    When are attorney fee clauses unconscionable? Another look
    Tom Cummins
    • Apr 6, 2020

    When are attorney fee clauses unconscionable? Another look

    Two keys to enforceable attorney fee clauses under Virginia law.
    No harm, no equitable rescission
    Tom Cummins
    • Apr 2, 2020

    No harm, no equitable rescission

    The Virginia Supreme Court's latest guidance on the remedy of equitable rescission.
    Plain meaning in complex contracts, a case study
    Tom Cummins
    • Feb 6, 2020

    Plain meaning in complex contracts, a case study

    Or, an example of when complexity ought not be confused with convolution.
    Can your non-compete clause prohibit services to a single client?
    Tom Cummins
    • Jan 8, 2020

    Can your non-compete clause prohibit services to a single client?

    You can't prohibit your employees from providing any services to your client after they leave your employment.
    When are attorney fee clauses unconscionable?
    Tom Cummins
    • Jan 2, 2020

    When are attorney fee clauses unconscionable?

    In a form contract, an attorney fee clause awarding one party all its fees, regardless of the case's outcome, is unenforceable.
    Are strong whiskey and bad jokes viable contract defenses?
    Tom Cummins
    • Dec 24, 2019

    Are strong whiskey and bad jokes viable contract defenses?

    From the archives . . .
    How much does free dirt cost?
    Tom Cummins
    • Dec 4, 2019

    How much does free dirt cost?

    A cautionary case about how even free dirt may cost you.
    Is the source-of-duty rule a defense to fraudulent inducement? (And what is that rule again?)
    Tom Cummins
    • Nov 14, 2019

    Is the source-of-duty rule a defense to fraudulent inducement? (And what is that rule again?)

    Insurer reviews company's business and recommends $6 million policy, which company buys. Uh-oh . . .
    Damages for personal injuries?
    Tom Cummins
    • Oct 31, 2019

    Damages for personal injuries?

    A family contracts with a company to build a home. Leaks, mold, sick family follow. Can they sue for personal injuries?
    Waive the statute of limitations?
    Tom Cummins
    • Oct 24, 2019

    Waive the statute of limitations?

    A personal guarantee prospectively waives the right to raise statute of limitations as a defense. Is this waiver enforceable?
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