Contract Law

Lord & Lindley - Lawyers in Charlotte NC
Wedding Photographer Sues For Defamation

The Importance of Being Earnest: Contracts Edition

August 3, 2017

Most people don’t like reading contracts and it’s no surprise why. They are usually boring, wordy, and full of legalese that can be difficult to understand. Reading them requires an attention span longer than most of us have and it’s easier to just sign on the dotted line rather than slog through each of the…

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Text Messages Can Be Writings for Statute of Frauds Purposes

October 12, 2016

                The statute of frauds is a legal principal that requires certain contracts to be in writing in order to enforce them.  It is traditionally reserved for contracts involving important or expensive subject matter, such as the sale of land, contracts for marriage, or the sale of goods totaling more than $500.  In these instances,…

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Mental Incompetency in Guardianship and Divorce

August 25, 2016

          It is not uncommon for courts to name one’s spouse as their guardian, but what happens when the incompetent party wants to get divorced from his wife and guardian? Can one be incompetent, yet understand the consequences of and express a desire to get divorced?          …

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Six Things Every Lawyer Should Know When Drafting a Non-compete Agreement in North Carolina

June 23, 2016

          When advising clients and drafting employment contracts with non-compete clauses, there are several things every lawyer should keep in mind.  The general rule is courts will enforce non-compete clauses to the extent they are reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests.[1]  In North Carolina, they must be (1) in writing…

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Business Basics: the Duty Of Good Faith and Fair Dealing and the Parol Evidence Rule

May 26, 2016

          The duty of good faith and fair dealing is essentially the Golden Rule of Contract law and Business Law: treat others how you want to be treated, and you have a better chance of avoiding litigation.  When parties run afoul of this duty, courts notice and hold them accountable.  In…

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The Strict Blue Pencil Doctrine Is Alive and Well in Nc Courts

March 23, 2016

          In a time where pencils and pens are quickly being replaced by keyboards, styli, and even one’s own fingers, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled last week that the strict blue pencil doctrine remains alive and well – at least when it comes to non-compete clauses in employment agreements.  …

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Fourth Circuit: Arbitration Agreement in Employee Handbook Not Binding

December 10, 2015

          A recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that a North Carolina employee suing under federal and North Carolina law for wage and hour violations was not required to participate in arbitration despite an arbitration clause in her employee handbook.[1]  The Fourth Circuit…

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North Carolina Business Court Weighs in on Enforceability Of Non-compete and Confidentiality Agreements Post-merger

October 28, 2015

           It is well-settled law that adequate consideration is required to create binding restrictive covenants such as non-compete agreements.  Generally, such agreements are entered at the start of an employment relationship, and the new employment itself constitutes consideration.  In North Carolina, continued employment following a merger of two companies does not…

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