
A choice of law clause is a crucial provision in contracts that determines which jurisdiction's laws will govern disputes arising from the agreement. This clause can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.
In most cases, the choice of law clause is included in the contract to avoid the uncertainty and expense of litigating in multiple jurisdictions. This is especially true for international contracts where parties from different countries are involved.
The choice of law clause can be found in various types of contracts, including commercial agreements, employment contracts, and even online terms of service.
Defined
A choice of law clause is a provision in contracts that determines which laws apply to the adjudication of a question or dispute that may arise. This clause is essential in contracts that involve parties from different states or countries.
Parties can use a choice of law clause strategically, such as a business setting the choice of law in Delaware if they are headquartered in that state, even if they conduct business elsewhere in the country.
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The purpose of a choice of law clause is to provide a level of certainty about what laws will govern in case there is a dispute or issue in the future. This certainty makes it clear what jurisdiction's laws govern the transaction and any potential issues.
A choice of law clause can be found in almost every contract and is critical for sellers and buyers alike in real estate transactions. It's essential that parties carefully structure their choice of law clauses to prevent conflict of law situations, making contract adjudication more challenging.
This clause facilitates settlement by identifying the law that will be applied to resolve any potential dispute, reducing the cost of dispute resolution and making it unnecessary for the court to conduct a choice-of-law analysis.
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Interpretation and Drafting
Drafting a good choice-of-law clause is not hard, and the Primer on Choice-of-Law Clauses has all the necessary information. Unfortunately, these instructions are not always followed.
A recent case, Pool Scouts Franchising LLC v., is a prime example of the consequences of a poorly drafted choice-of-law clause.
Drafting a choice-of-law clause requires attention to detail, as a single mistake can have costly consequences. The case of Pool Scouts Franchising LLC v. highlights the importance of following the instructions laid out in the Primer on Choice-of-Law Clauses.
The Primer on Choice-of-Law Clauses provides a comprehensive guide to drafting a good choice-of-law clause. However, it's not just about following the instructions, but also about understanding the underlying principles of choice of law.
Enforceability and Other Issues
Contract provisions relating to dispute resolution, including choice-of-law clauses, may continue to bind parties even after the underlying contract terminates.
Some courts will apply the law of the forum if both litigants decline to raise choice of law as an issue and the courts are happy to go along with this.
In cases where both parties tacitly agree to apply the law of the forum, the courts will generally follow this agreement because forum law is familiar and easy for them to apply.
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Other Issues
Contract termination can have unexpected consequences, such as provisions ceasing to have any legal effect. However, some courts have held that dispute resolution provisions, including choice-of-law clauses, can continue to bind the parties even after the contract terminates.
In some cases, litigants may tacitly agree to apply the forum law by declining to raise choice of law as an issue, and courts are often happy to go along with this. This can make it easier for courts to apply familiar and easy-to-understand laws.
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Opting Out of Federal II
Opting out of federal law is a complex topic, and one of the most interesting aspects is how foreign choice-of-law clauses can be used to avoid federal laws.
In a prior post, the author examined the use of choice-of-law clauses selecting the law of a U.S. state to avoid federal laws, but here we're looking at foreign choice-of-law clauses.
The law of a foreign country can be used to opt out of federal laws, but this is not a straightforward process and requires careful consideration of various factors.

Sarath Sanga's empirical analysis of choice of law suggests that foreign choice-of-law clauses can be effective in avoiding federal laws, but the specific laws and jurisdictions involved must be carefully examined.
The use of foreign choice-of-law clauses to opt out of federal laws is a relatively rare occurrence, but it can be a useful tool for parties looking to avoid federal regulations.
Gary Born and Cem Kalelioglu's research on choice-of-law agreements in international contracts highlights the importance of carefully drafting these clauses to ensure they are effective in avoiding federal laws.
The enforceability of foreign choice-of-law clauses depends on the specific laws and jurisdictions involved, and parties should seek the advice of a qualified attorney before attempting to use these clauses to opt out of federal laws.
Overall, the use of foreign choice-of-law clauses to opt out of federal laws requires a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and jurisdictions, as well as careful drafting and negotiation of these clauses.
Real Estate and Commercial Contracts
Real estate and commercial contracts often involve complex choices that can impact the entire agreement. Choice of law clauses are particularly crucial in these situations.
In real estate, choice of law is critical for both sellers and buyers. This is because a poorly structured choice of law clause can lead to conflict of law situations, making contract adjudication more challenging.
Some common contracts with choice of law clauses include oil & gas contracts, sports contracts, employment contracts, maritime law contracts, and international contracts. These types of contracts often involve complex international or national regulations that need to be carefully considered.
Here are some examples of contracts that frequently include choice of law clauses:
- Oil & gas contracts
- Sports contracts
- Employment contracts
- Maritime law contracts
- International contracts
Real Estate
In real estate, the choice of law is a crucial aspect that sellers and buyers need to consider carefully to avoid conflict of law situations.
Choice of law in real estate is critical because it can make contract adjudication more challenging if not structured properly.
Sellers and buyers should carefully draft their choice of law clauses to prevent potential issues.
A well-drafted choice of law clause can help prevent disputes and ensure a smoother transaction process.
It's essential to learn more about drafting choice of law clauses to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful real estate transaction.
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Common Contracts
In real estate and commercial contracts, the choice of law clause can make all the difference. This clause determines which state's laws will govern the contract, and it's essential to get it right to avoid conflicts and costly disputes.
Oil & gas contracts often include a choice of law clause, as they frequently involve multiple jurisdictions and complex regulations. This is particularly important in the industry, where a single misstep can have significant financial consequences.
Sellers and buyers in real estate transactions must also carefully consider their choice of law clause to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth contract adjudication. A well-drafted clause can save both parties a lot of time and money in the long run.
Here are some common contracts that typically include a choice of law clause:
- Oil & gas contracts
- Sports contracts
- Employment contracts
- Maritime law contracts
- International contracts
By understanding the importance of choice of law clauses in these contracts, you can better navigate the complex world of real estate and commercial law.
Drafting and Examples
Drafting a choice of law clause can be straightforward, but it's surprising how often it's not done correctly. A recent case, Pool Scouts Franchising LLC v., highlights the importance of getting it right.
A good choice-of-law clause is essential in contracts involving multiple parties or jurisdictions. Examples include oil & gas companies working offshore, soccer players living in one country while playing for another, and hiring employees from another country or out-of-state.
In drafting a choice of law provision, it's essential to follow the instructions laid out in resources like the Primer on Choice-of-Law Clauses. Unfortunately, these instructions are not always followed, as seen in the Pool Scouts case.
A choice of law provision is usually brief and to the point, as seen in the example: "Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
Here are some examples of choice of law clauses:
- Oil & gas companies working offshore
- Soccer players living in one country while playing for another
- Hiring employees from another country or out-of-state
- Adopting a child from another country
- Attending school in another country
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