As a business contract lawyer in Knoxville, TN knows, a contract is an enforceable document that is between two or more parties, and most contracts hold legal weight only when they are made in writing; though there are exceptions to every rule. A contract only holds legal weight, no matter its form, if both parties enter into it without being under duress (meaning voluntarily entering into a contract). 

Carpenter & Lewis PLLC is aware that you may not know a lot about contracts, and we’re here to help. As contract lawyers in Knoxville, TN, we understand that contracts can seem daunting. Forms that you have to sign, forms that you need to create, it can all be very scary to try and ensure you fit everything you need into one contract. And that’s where we come in. 

A contract lawyer can work with a variety of businesses, even individuals. A contract lawyer has an understanding of legal phrasing, what’s allowed to be in a contract, how to spot and destroy loopholes that may be problematic in contracts, and how to best execute a contract without impeding on someone else’s rights. 

Contract lawyers may come from a variety of backgrounds, such as lawyers trained in transition, tenured lawyers who want more work, lawyers that have flexibility in their schedules, lawyers that run their own practice or want to supplement workflow, and lawyers who have just relocated to a new area. 

You may hear contract lawyers called by these names as well:

• Non-partner track lawyers
• Staff lawyers
• “Of counsel”
• Contract lawyer
• eDiscovery lawyer
• Consultant
• Document review lawyer
• Litigation support lawyer

A contract lawyer’s main duties are to draw up and revise legal documents, but they have other things they do as well. Lawyers in this role may assist in the discovery stages of a legal case for a client, they may help prepare case strategies for a client, they’ll ensure regulatory and compliance requirements are met, may have a hand in real estate transactions, reviewing and modifying employee manuals, ensuring labor and employment issues are dealt with legally, and more. What a contract lawyer also does in addition to contracts often depends on their background, so if you want a lawyer for a specific background, it is important to talk about that.

The perfect contract lawyer in Knoxville, TN is out there, you just need to know where to find them. 

When deciding whether you need a contract lawyer, you should take into account that legal documents and agreements must follow a specific format and have specific wording to be binding, and that’s a lot of legalese for someone who didn’t go to law school to learn. So let Carpenter & Lewis PLLC help you with your contract wording and ensure that it’s up to par with the standards of the law so that you, nor your signees have trouble with contract signing. 

Reach out to your contract lawyer in Knoxville, TN today.

What goes into a contract? 

You may be wondering what you might need a business contract lawyer for. If you have a contract, can you and the other party involved simply sign it and move on? It is important to remember that contracts are legally binding documents and, as such, it is always good to have a lawyer who understands the implications of a broken contract and what the repercussions can be. If you own your own business and are forming contracts with other people or entities, give our office a call to see how we can help you and your business succeed. 

What elements does a valid contract need? 

When you are working with a lawyer, you may be wondering what a contract needs in order for it to be valid. It is in your best interest to work with a lawyer who can ensure your contracts have these elements so that, if necessary, they will hold up in court if any disputes arise. A contract needs: 

• Mutual assent
• A valid offer and acceptance
• Consideration
• Capacity
• Legality

Contracts Breaches

When you have entered into a contract with someone else and you believe they have breached the contract, that means you believe they failed to fulfill their end of the contract. What can you do when this happens? If you worked with a business contract lawyer, you know they will have taken every measure to protect you when drafting the contract. If you did not use a business lawyer when drafting the contract but are working with one now, they can still examine the contract in question and determine what the best course of action is. A breach can occur in a few ways: 

• A party does not fulfill their obligations according to the contract
• A party does not fulfill their obligations within the specified time in the contract
• A party does not fulfill their obligations in the contract in accordance with the rules laid out in the contract

If you believe the other party involved has not lived up to their end of the contract, you can reach out to our office at any point and speak with a lawyer you can rely on. We can help you with your contract and breach of contract needs. 

When you are looking for a business contract lawyer who can help you with your contract needs, look no further than Carpenter & Lewis PLLC. We care about allowing your business to thrive, and that starts with having legally binding contracts. Reach out to our office today.  

Call Carpenter & Lewis PLLC today to speak with a business contract lawyer in Knoxville, TN.

When To Have A Business Contract Reviewed By A Lawyer

Contracts are at the heart of nearly every business transaction. Whether you’re entering into a partnership, hiring employees, or signing with a new vendor, contracts define rights, responsibilities, and obligations. But not all contracts are straightforward, and overlooking even a single clause can put your business at risk. That’s why it’s often essential to have our Knoxville, TN business contract lawyer review your agreements before you sign.

So, when exactly should you involve a lawyer? Here are the key situations where legal guidance can protect your interests.

1. When Entering Into High-Value Agreements

If your contract involves significant money, assets, or resources, the stakes are too high to risk misunderstandings. Our lawyer can ensure that the terms protect your investment and that you’re not taking on hidden liabilities. This is especially important for long-term agreements, where unfavorable terms could cost your business thousands—or even millions—over time.

2. When Dealing With Complex Or Lengthy Contracts

Some contracts, especially those involving real estate, intellectual property, or franchise arrangements, are complex and filled with legal jargon. Our business contract lawyer can translate complicated terms into plain language and help you fully understand your rights and obligations. They can also flag clauses that are unfair or unnecessarily risky.

3. When Contracts Involve Employment Matters

Employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, and non-compete clauses can have lasting implications for your business. If these documents aren’t carefully drafted, they can expose you to disputes over wages, wrongful termination claims, or the loss of sensitive business information. Our lawyer ensures that your contracts comply with employment laws and protect your company’s interests.

4. When You’re Partnering With Another Business

Joint ventures, partnerships, and collaborations can bring great opportunities, but they also carry risks. Disputes often arise over profit-sharing, decision-making authority, or exit strategies. Our lawyer can help draft and review partnership agreements that clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and procedures for resolving conflicts, preventing problems before they escalate.

5. When Intellectual Property Is Involved

If your contract touches on intellectual property—like trademarks, patents, copyrights, or proprietary processes—legal review is critical. Ownership of intellectual property is often a gray area in business relationships. Without clear language, you could unintentionally give away rights to valuable assets. Our lawyer ensures your intellectual property is fully protected.

6. When You’re Unsure About The Risks

Sometimes, you may not fully understand the risks a contract creates for your business. Our business contract lawyer can assess potential liabilities, explain your options, and suggest revisions to minimize risk. Having a professional review the contract gives you the confidence to sign only when you’re comfortable with the terms.

Why Legal Review Is Worth It

While it might be tempting to skip legal review to save time or money, the cost of a poorly drafted or misunderstood contract can be far greater. From lawsuits and financial losses to damaged business relationships, the consequences of signing a bad contract can last for years.

Not every agreement requires an attorney, but when the stakes are high, the terms are complex, or your rights could be at risk, having our Knoxville business contract lawyer review your contract is a smart move. Legal guidance ensures you enter agreements with clarity, protection, and peace of mind. At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we are here to help you.