International Contract Lawyer in Chicago
International contracts present unique legal challenges that domestic agreements do not. When businesses engage in cross-border transactions, they must navigate differing legal systems, currency and payment complexities, cultural differences in business practices, and enforcement challenges. Our international contract lawyers at Liberum Law help Chicago-area businesses structure agreements that work across borders.
Key considerations in international contracts include choice of governing law and jurisdiction, which determines which country’s laws apply and where disputes will be resolved, dispute resolution clauses specifying international arbitration under rules such as the ICC, LCIA, or UNCITRAL, rather than litigation in a single country’s courts, payment terms addressing currency risk, letters of credit, and international wire transfer protocols, intellectual property protections that vary significantly between jurisdictions, compliance with export controls, sanctions, anti-corruption laws (FCPA), and import regulations, force majeure provisions adapted to international risk scenarios, and language provisions specifying the authoritative language version of the agreement.
We draft international contracts for cross-border sale of goods under the CISG (UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods), international service agreements, international distribution and agency agreements, technology licensing across jurisdictions, joint ventures with foreign partners, and cross-border employment and consulting arrangements.
Our attorneys work with a network of foreign legal counsel to ensure that your international contracts are enforceable in the relevant jurisdictions. We also advise on the practical aspects of international transactions, including due diligence on foreign counterparties, regulatory approvals, and cultural considerations in negotiation.
Schedule a free consultation with our international contract attorneys at Liberum Law to discuss your cross-border legal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's different about international contracts?
Cross-border agreements raise additional issues: choice of law, choice of forum, language, currency, payment mechanisms (LCs, escrow), shipping terms (Incoterms), tax, customs, sanctions compliance, IP enforcement abroad, and judgment enforcement. International commercial arbitration is often the default dispute resolution.
What governing law should an international contract use?
Common choices: New York or English law (well-developed commercial law, predictable courts), seller's or buyer's jurisdiction, or a neutral third country. Choice depends on bargaining position, familiarity, and enforceability. Sometimes the U.N. Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) applies by default — we expressly opt in or out.
What are Incoterms?
Standard international trade terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.) defining responsibilities for shipping, insurance, customs, and risk of loss. The current version is Incoterms 2020. Choosing the right Incoterm allocates significant costs and risks; we draft and explain choices for each transaction.
How do you enforce contracts internationally?
For arbitration awards: the New York Convention (170+ countries) provides enforcement. For court judgments: enforcement depends on bilateral treaties and the destination country's laws — often more difficult than arbitration enforcement. Choice of dispute resolution at the contract drafting stage matters enormously.
Do you draft contracts in multiple languages?
Yes — we draft and negotiate in English, Russian, and Spanish, and coordinate with foreign counsel for other languages. International contracts typically designate one authoritative language; we ensure translations are accurate and parties understand obligations regardless of working language.
