Drafting Commercial Contracts: Six-Part Lunchtime Series

The Basics — Part I

Originally held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Program Instructor:
Jason Aylesworth
Sendroff & Baruch, LLP


  • Most lawyers say to their clients: “Get it in writing!” However, a number of lawyers do not know the fundamentals of drafting a binding contract. From the one-page short form through the double-digit commercial document, this six program series will cover the overall structure of a contract and its parts, pre-drafting principals of negotiation, translating the terms and conditions of a deal into clear and concise provisions, and working with your adversary to finalize an agreement for execution.

    Program Fee:
    $49 for Members | $99 for Nonmembers

    Members who are Recent Law Graduates, Newly Admitted Lawyers (admitted for the first time in any state or country 2019-2021), In-House/Corporate Counsel, Judges, or attorneys that practice within the Government, Academic or Not-for-Profit sectors attend this program for free.

  • Jason Aylesworth is a partner at Sendroff & Baruch, LLP. He has represented a wide variety of artists in theatre, music, film and television including dramatists, performers, directors, choreographers and designers, as well as producers, music publishers and theatre companies. Jason is a frequent speaker, guest lecturer and writer on the topics of entertainment law and contract drafting. Jason received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Fordham University, where he majored in Theatre and Economics, a Certificate in Film Production at Brooklyn College and his law degree from Touro Law Center. He is admitted to the Connecticut and New York state bars.

  • 1:00 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.
    Introduction/General Overview

    1:05 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.
    Parts of a Contract

    1:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
    The Framework of a Contract from Top to Bottom

    1:15 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
    The Initial Paragraphs

    1:20 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
    Definitions Section

    1:25 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    The Heart of the Agreement

    1:35 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
    Finishing the Agreement

    1:40 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
    Sample Short Form Agreements

    1:50 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
    The Use of “Shall” and “Will

    1:55 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    The Top 3 Takeaways

  • New York: 1.0 Skills
    New Jersey: 1.2 General
    California: 1.0 Skills
    Pennsylvania: 1.0 General
    Connecticut: Available to Licensed Attorneys

    Please Note: Newly admitted NY attorneys cannot fulfill ethics or skills credits through our on-demand programs under OCA rules. For more information on this, please see http://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/changes_for_2016.shtml.

  • Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Angie Avila, Manager, Membership Outreach and Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | aavila@nycbar.org