Course Overview:
This course provides a structured and practical approach to managing risks in contracts and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. Participants will gain skills to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks; understand key legal concepts and clauses; and ensure that contracts are aligned with organizational risk tolerance and regulatory obligations. The course blends legal insight with operational best practices, enabling professionals to improve contracting outcomes, reduce disputes, and build a stronger compliance posture.
Through real-world examples, interactive workshops, and contract analysis, participants will learn how to safeguard their organizations against financial, legal, and reputational risks arising from poorly managed contracts.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of contract law and risk allocation.
- Identify and evaluate key contract risks across different contract types.
- Apply risk mitigation techniques during contract drafting, negotiation, and execution.
- Integrate compliance and governance frameworks into contract management practices.
- Monitor contract performance and manage breaches, disputes, and termination risks.
- Enhance internal controls and audits around contract lifecycle management.
Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for:
- Contract Managers and Administrators
- Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals
- Legal and Compliance Officers
- Risk Managers and Internal Auditors
- Project and Commercial Managers
- Business Development and Sales Executives involved in contract negotiation
- Professionals in public and private sector entities managing third-party relationships
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Contract Risk and Compliance
- Purpose and scope of contract risk management
- Overview of contract lifecycle and compliance integration
- Common contract risk categories (legal, financial, operational, reputational)
Module 2: Legal Fundamentals and Risk Allocation
- Key legal principles in contracting
- Roles of warranties, indemnities, limitations of liability, and termination clauses
- Risk-shifting vs. risk-sharing strategies
Module 3: Contract Drafting and Risk Identification
- Risk-prone clauses and how to mitigate them
- Drafting clear obligations, deliverables, and performance standards
- Using templates, schedules, and standard terms effectively
Module 4: Negotiation and Risk Mitigation
- Contract negotiation tactics with risk in mind
- Balancing legal protection with commercial goals
- Role of stakeholder engagement in reducing risk exposure
Module 5: Compliance and Regulatory Alignment
- Understanding legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., anti-corruption, data privacy, ESG)
- Integrating regulatory clauses into contracts
- Ensuring third-party compliance and due diligence
Module 6: Performance Monitoring and Controls
- Contract performance KPIs and SLAs
- Risk monitoring throughout the contract lifecycle
- Use of dashboards and audit trails
Module 7: Dispute Management and Contract Termination
- Managing breaches, remedies, and escalation
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and litigation considerations
- Legal exposure during early termination or non-performance
Module 8: Contract Management Systems and Technology
- Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools and platforms
- Workflow automation and alerts for compliance oversight
- Integration with ERP, legal, and procurement systems
Module 9: Case Studies and Risk Workshops
- Analyzing real contracts for risk exposure
- Group risk assessment and mitigation exercises
- Lessons from high-profile contract failures
Module 10: Final Review and Implementation Planning
- Recap of risk management principles and controls
- Developing an internal contract risk checklist
- Action planning and post-course evaluation