PROGRAM DETAILS

Program introduction

In an increasingly globalized business environment, contractual relationships have evolved into sophisticated instruments that govern strategic partnerships, multi-jurisdictional projects, and cross-border investments. Mastery of international contract law and best practices in contract management is therefore imperative for professionals navigating complex commercial landscapes.

This advanced program is designed to equip senior professionals with deep, practice-oriented knowledge of international contract frameworks, enabling them to effectively draft, interpret, negotiate, and enforce contracts across multiple legal systems. The curriculum is structured to address the intersection of legal theory and commercial realities, offering insights into transnational legal regimes, cross-cultural contracting norms, and dispute resolution mechanisms recognized under international arbitration bodies such as ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and ICSID.

Participants will critically explore contract design, performance obligations, risk allocation, and the lifecycle of claims and disputes, guided by legal doctrine, case law, and real-world commercial case studies. Special emphasis is placed on proactive risk mitigation, enforcement strategies, and aligning contractual obligations with project objectives and corporate governance.

Learning Objectives

Participants attending the programme will:

• Interpret and apply international contract law principles
• Design and structure high-value, complex contracts
• Critically evaluate and manage cross-border legal risks,
• Draft precise and commercially robust contract clauses
• Lead contract performance management,
• Manage and respond to complex claims and disputes,
• Deploy proactive dispute avoidance strategies,
• Navigate and select appropriate international dispute resolution mechanisms,
• Align contractual arrangements with emerging global compliance requirements
• Integrate legal knowledge with commercial acumen

Target Audience

This advanced training program is designed for experienced professionals and senior executives involved in complex, high-value, and cross-border contracting activities. It is particularly suited for:

• General Counsel and Legal Advisors
• Contract Managers and Commercial Directors
• Procurement and Supply Chain Leaders
• Project Directors and Engineering Managers
• Finance and Risk Executives
• Executives and Board Members

This program is also suitable for senior professionals transitioning into global project roles or preparing to lead high-impact international negotiations and dispute resolution.

Training Methodology

This course is delivered through an intensive, high-engagement methodology designed for senior professionals. Key instructional techniques include:

• Case-Based Learning: Real-life international case studies and precedent-setting judgments form the backbone of interactive discussions.
• Advanced Contract Clinics: Hands-on review and redlining of contract clauses and commercial terms using real-world examples from various industries (energy, infrastructure, defense, tech).
• Scenario Simulation & Negotiation Exercises: Participants will engage in structured simulations replicating high-stakes negotiation and dispute resolution sessions.
• Critical Incident Debriefing: Lessons from landmark arbitration and litigation cases dissected for practical learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Exchange: Participants will be encouraged to present their challenges and experiences, fostering a multi-industry learning platform.
• Legal Drafting Lab: Participants will refine contract drafting and review skills with mentor-led feedback.

All sessions will be led by a senior international contracts and arbitration expert, with multidisciplinary exposure to FIDIC, NEC, UNIDROIT Principles, the CISG, and the latest trends in ESG compliance, digital contracting, and emerging regulatory frameworks.

Key Takeaways

By the end of the program, participants will:

• Have mastered the strategic application of international contract law principles
• Be equipped to manage complex contractual risk in high-value global projects
• Gain a strong command of managing claims, counterclaims, and arbitration
• Be able to navigate cross-jurisdictional enforcement challenges with confidence
• Improve commercial decision-making through a legal risk lens

Program Content

Day 1 – Strategic Overview of International Contracting Frameworks

• Legal frameworks: Common law, civil law, hybrid systems
• UNIDROIT Principles and CISG in cross-border transactions
• Conflict of laws, governing law, and jurisdictional challenges
• Cross-cultural contracting: Norms, ethics, and enforcement practices
• Enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards under the New York Convention
• Contractual implications of international sanctions and export controls

Day 2 – Advanced Contract Structuring and Risk Allocation

• Contract strategies: Lump sum, reimbursable, EPC, PPP, framework agreements
• Risk identification, allocation, and management via contractual instruments
• Legal implications of Letters of Intent, MOUs, and Heads of Terms
• Hierarchy of documents and interpretation rules in complex contracts
• Drafting with clarity: Avoiding ambiguity, circular references, and unenforceable terms
• Managing back-to-back contracts and subcontractor alignment

Day 3 – Performance Management and Commercial Obligations

• Key obligations: Performance standards, service levels, warranties
• Managing milestone-based deliverables and linked payment mechanisms
• Variations and scope creep control: Legal and procedural implications
• Transfer of risk and title: Incoterms, delivery obligations, and custody
• Intellectual property protection in cross-border transactions
• Contractual compliance with anti-bribery, ESG, and modern slavery requirements

Day 4 – Claims, Liabilities, and Legal Remedies

• Claims management lifecycle: Early warnings, notices, substantiation
• Delay and disruption analysis: Concurrent delay, time-at-large, liquidated damages
• Force Majeure, Hardship, and Material Adverse Change clauses
• Cost recovery and quantum analysis in international claims
• Limitation of liability, indemnities, and insurance obligations
• Handling contractual breaches and anticipatory repudiation

Day 5 – Advanced Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Mechanisms

• Dispute Avoidance Boards (DABs), Early Neutral Evaluation
• Arbitration vs Litigation: Selection criteria and enforcement outcomes
• International arbitration procedures (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, ICSID)
• Managing multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses and escalation pathways
• Settlement techniques: Mediation, conciliation, and structured negotiations
• Drafting enforceable dispute resolution clauses and governing law provisions