Having a clear understanding of the courts and where to file specific claims has provided your department with a good basis for where to start when a claim arises. With so many outside venders and human resource issues in today's business world, contractual claims are going to be one of the common claims that arise on a regular basis in many businesses.

The next primer you will prepare for your department's training series will acclimate your colleagues to the world of contracts. Prepare a 2-3-page, double-spaced document explaining the essential elements of a contract and the applicable remedies in the event of a breach. What is required for a valid offer? How can one accept an offer? What is the concept of consideration and what form(s) can consideration take in creating a contract? What factors must be considered in assessing the legal sufficiency of an offer, acceptance, and consideration in determining whether a contract is enforceable? In the event that a contract is formed and subsequently broken, what remedies are available to the non-breaching party under your state's law?