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Contract law
Legal skills

Formalities for Binding Contracts

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Contracts can be established in various ways, including verbally, in writing and through conduct. While some contracts must be in writing, others require both a written form and execution by deed. Understanding these principles is essential for drafting enforceable agreements and minimising the risk of disputes. 

This course focuses on the key formalities for commercial contracts between businesses (B2B) and the critical requirements for their execution. It will outline the processes for executing simple contracts and deeds, detailing when a contract needs to be in writing and when it should be executed as a deed. The course will also examine the agent-principal relationship, the scope of an agent’s authority, and the application of the doctrine of estoppel. 

Through easy-to-understand chapters, this course will guide you through the latest laws, offering insights into the complexities of agents, their authority, and the requirements for executing contracts. 

Whether you’re new to drafting contracts, seeking a refresher, or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course provides essential insights for everyone. Enrol now! 

What this will cover

This course will cover:  

  • when contracts must be in writing  
  • the formalities required for contracts 
  • situations where contracts require execution by deed 
  • the formalities involved in executing simple contracts or deeds 
  • agent and principal relationships 
  • the scope of an agent’s authority, whether actual or apparent  
  • how the doctrine of estoppel applies to authorities  
Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • identify when contracts need to be in writing  
  • understand the formalities for contracts 
  • identify when contracts require execution by deed 
  • understand the formalities required for execution by simple contracts or deeds 
  • understand agent and principal relationships 
  • determine the scope of an agent’s authority (whether actual or apparent) 
  • explain how the doctrine of estoppel works with authorities 
How you will learn

Course format

This online course consists of the following elements: 

  • an interactive course presentation, with a variety of knowledge checks spaced throughout to test understanding of the material as the learner progresses
  • an end-of-course assessment consisting of 10 questions 

Our courses conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. However, some members may require an alternative version for accessibility purposes. This is available upon request via our contact us form. 

Assessment

In order to pass the assessment, you must achieve a pass mark of 70%.
The knowledge checks included in the course presentation are intended to aid your understanding of the content and offer the opportunity to apply your knowledge. They do not form part of the assessment. 

 

No. of items Discount
11 – 19 15%
20 – 29 20%
30 – 39 25%
40 + 30%
£57.89 ex VAT
Type of training
CPD
Format
Bitesize
Level
Intermediate
Who is this for?
In-house lawyers
Junior lawyers
Paralegals
Practice managers
Solicitors
Course length
45 mins
Assessment type
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions).
SRA Competence
A2
A4

The experts

Francesca Lee

Expert
Facilitator

View expert bio