Organized: The Business Law Breakdown

Episode 11: Sign Here – The Power of the Statute of Frauds

Uncover the significance of the Statute of Frauds in contract law. This episode explores which types of contracts must be in writing to be enforceable. Professor Oranburg guides you through the historical origins of this statute and its modern applications. You’ll learn about the specific categories of contracts covered by the Statute of Frauds, including real estate transactions and agreements that can’t be performed within one year. Through case studies and practical examples, gain insights into how courts interpret and apply this important legal principle, and understand its impact on contract formation and enforcement in various contexts.

Celebrating Hispanic Lawyering: Insights and Experiences (October 2024)

In this special episode of Organized: The Business Law Breakdown, we honor Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging in a candid, thought-provoking conversation with three accomplished Hispanic lawyers: Cesar Vega, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, Maya Dominguez, a New Hampshire Public Defender, and Enrique Mesa, an Immigration Lawyer and founder of Mesa Law, PLLC.
Together, they share personal stories about their journey into the legal profession, the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Hispanic lawyers, and how their cultural identity influences their work. We explore topics like mentorship, community, overcoming bias, and advice for future Hispanic law students.
Whether you are a law student, legal professional, or simply interested in the intersection of culture and law, this conversation offers valuable insights into navigating the legal field as a Hispanic attorney. Tune in to gain inspiration from their collective wisdom and experiences.

Episode 12: Oops! When Mistakes Break Contracts

Explore the impact of mistakes on contract formation and enforcement. This episode delves into how errors, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations can affect the validity of agreements. Professor Oranburg examines different types of mistakes, including mutual, unilateral, and mistakes of law versus fact. Through real-world examples and landmark cases, you’ll learn how courts determine whether a mistake is grounds for rescission or reformation of a contract. Gain valuable insights into protecting yourself from contractual mistakes and understanding your options when errors occur in agreement formation.

Episode 13: Secrets and Lies – When Fraud Invalidates Contracts

Dive into the dark side of contract law by examining how fraud and misrepresentation can invalidate agreements. This episode explores different types of fraud, from intentional deception to negligent misrepresentation. Professor Oranburg guides you through the elements of fraud in contract law and its consequences. Through engaging case studies, you’ll learn how courts handle fraudulent inducement and when silence can be considered fraudulent. Gain crucial knowledge about protecting yourself from fraudulent practices in contract negotiations and understand the remedies available when fraud is discovered.

Episode 15: Reading Between the Lines – How Courts Decode Contract Terms

Delve deeper into the nuances of contract interpretation, focusing on how courts handle ambiguous or unclear language. Professor Oranburg examines the tools and techniques judges use to decipher contractual intent, including the use of industry standards and course of dealing. You’ll explore the contra proferentem rule and learn how courts fill gaps in contracts. Through practical examples and case studies, gain valuable insights into drafting clear agreements and understanding how your contracts might be interpreted in case of a dispute.

Celebrating First Generation Lawyers: Voices in Law (November 2024)

In celebration of First-Generation College Students’ Day, Organized: The Business Law Breakdown is thrilled to present a special episode featuring distinguished faculty from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law. Host Seth C. Oranburg, Professor of Law and Director of the Program on Organizations, Business, and Markets, sits down with Ed Timberlake, Kara Simard, and Cassandra Larae-Perez—three accomplished UNH Law faculty members who were the first in their families to attend college or law school.
In this inspiring conversation, they share their personal journeys as first-generation students, discuss the unique challenges they faced in pursuing legal careers, and offer valuable advice for others forging their own paths in law. From stories of resilience and community support to practical tips for navigating law school, this episode provides insight into the transformative power of education and the importance of diversity in the legal profession.
Tune in to hear their perspectives on law, education, and the journey from being first-generation college students to influential members of the UNH Law community. Whether you’re a student, aspiring lawyer, or seasoned professional, this episode promises to inspire and encourage.

Episode 16: Words and Deeds – How Parties’ Actions Impacts Contract Interpretation

Dive back into contract interpretation, focusing on advanced techniques courts use to resolve disputes over contract language. Professor Oranburg examines the use of extrinsic evidence in contract interpretation. Through real-world scenarios and case studies, gain a deeper understanding of how to courts reconcile situations where parties claim their contracts don't mean what they say.

Episode 17: What’s the Deal? The Parol Evidence Rule

Explore the parol evidence rule, a crucial principle in contract interpretation that determines when courts will consider evidence outside the written contract. Professor Oranburg breaks down this complex rule, explaining its purpose and exceptions. You’ll learn about integrated agreements, collateral contracts, and when prior or contemporaneous agreements can be considered. Through engaging examples and landmark cases, understand how this rule affects contract drafting and litigation. Gain practical knowledge to protect your interests when negotiating and drafting agreements.

Episode 18: Conditions in Contracts – When Obligations Depend on Events

Uncover the role of conditions in contract law and how they affect parties’ obligations. Professor Oranburg explores different types of conditions, including conditions precedent, subsequent, and concurrent. You’ll learn how conditions are created, interpreted, and sometimes excused. Through practical examples and landmark cases, understand how conditions can protect your interests or create risks in contractual relationships. Gain insights into drafting effective conditions and navigating agreements where performance depends on specific events or circumstances.

Episode 14: Words in Context – How Courts Interpret Contracts

What's the meaning of "chicken?" Unravel the complexities of contract interpretation in this illuminating episode. Professor Oranburg explores the principles courts use to determine the meaning of contract terms when disputes arise. You’ll learn about intrinsic evidence, extrinsic evidence, and how courts balance the literal meaning of words with the reality of the parties’ intentions. Through real-world examples and landmark cases, gain insights into how ambiguities are resolved and how context shapes interpretation. Understand the importance of clear drafting and how to protect your interests when entering into agreements.