Understanding an assignment and assumption agreement

Need to assign your rights and duties under a contract? Learn more about the basics of an assignment and assumption agreement.

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by   Belle Wong, J.D.

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Updated on: November 24, 2023 · 3 min read

The assignment and assumption agreement

The basics of assignment and assumption, filling in the assignment and assumption agreement.

While every business should try its best to meet its contractual obligations, changes in circumstance can happen that could necessitate transferring your rights and duties under a contract to another party who would be better able to meet those obligations.

Person presenting documents to another person who is signing them

If you find yourself in such a situation, and your contract provides for the possibility of assignment, an assignment and assumption agreement can be a good option for preserving your relationship with the party you initially contracted with, while at the same time enabling you to pass on your contractual rights and duties to a third party.

An assignment and assumption agreement is used after a contract is signed, in order to transfer one of the contracting party's rights and obligations to a third party who was not originally a party to the contract. The party making the assignment is called the assignor, while the third party accepting the assignment is known as the assignee.

In order for an assignment and assumption agreement to be valid, the following criteria need to be met:

  • The initial contract must provide for the possibility of assignment by one of the initial contracting parties.
  • The assignor must agree to assign their rights and duties under the contract to the assignee.
  • The assignee must agree to accept, or "assume," those contractual rights and duties.
  • The other party to the initial contract must consent to the transfer of rights and obligations to the assignee.

A standard assignment and assumption contract is often a good starting point if you need to enter into an assignment and assumption agreement. However, for more complex situations, such as an assignment and amendment agreement in which several of the initial contract terms will be modified, or where only some, but not all, rights and duties will be assigned, it's a good idea to retain the services of an attorney who can help you draft an agreement that will meet all your needs.

When you're ready to enter into an assignment and assumption agreement, it's a good idea to have a firm grasp of the basics of assignment:

  • First, carefully read and understand the assignment and assumption provision in the initial contract. Contracts vary widely in their language on this topic, and each contract will have specific criteria that must be met in order for a valid assignment of rights to take place.
  • All parties to the agreement should carefully review the document to make sure they each know what they're agreeing to, and to help ensure that all important terms and conditions have been addressed in the agreement.
  • Until the agreement is signed by all the parties involved, the assignor will still be obligated for all responsibilities stated in the initial contract. If you are the assignor, you need to ensure that you continue with business as usual until the assignment and assumption agreement has been properly executed.

Unless you're dealing with a complex assignment situation, working with a template often is a good way to begin drafting an assignment and assumption agreement that will meet your needs. Generally speaking, your agreement should include the following information:

  • Identification of the existing agreement, including details such as the date it was signed and the parties involved, and the parties' rights to assign under this initial agreement
  • The effective date of the assignment and assumption agreement
  • Identification of the party making the assignment (the assignor), and a statement of their desire to assign their rights under the initial contract
  • Identification of the third party accepting the assignment (the assignee), and a statement of their acceptance of the assignment
  • Identification of the other initial party to the contract, and a statement of their consent to the assignment and assumption agreement
  • A section stating that the initial contract is continued; meaning, that, other than the change to the parties involved, all terms and conditions in the original contract stay the same

In addition to these sections that are specific to an assignment and assumption agreement, your contract should also include standard contract language, such as clauses about indemnification, future amendments, and governing law.

Sometimes circumstances change, and as a business owner you may find yourself needing to assign your rights and duties under a contract to another party. A properly drafted assignment and assumption agreement can help you make the transfer smoothly while, at the same time, preserving the cordiality of your initial business relationship under the original contract.

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Assignment Of Contracts: Everything You Need to Know

Assignment of contracts is the legal transfer of the obligations and benefits of a contract from one party, called the assignor, to another, called the assignee. 3 min read updated on January 01, 2024

What Is Assignment of Contracts ?

Assignment of contracts is the legal transfer of the obligations and benefits of a contract from one party, called the assignor, to another, called the assignee. The assignor must properly notify the assignee so that he or she can take over the contractual rights and obligations. This can be done using a document called an assignment agreement, which allows you to protect your legal rights while transferring the contract.

An assignment agreement is appropriate for your needs if the following are true:

  • You want to transfer your contractual rights, responsibilities, and obligations to another individual or company.
  • You or your business is taking over a contract from another person or business.

The assignment agreement includes the names of the assignor and assignee, the name of the other party to the contract in question (known as the obligor ), the contract's title and expiration date, whether the obligor needs to consent to the rights transfer based on the original terms of the contract, when the obligor consented, when the assignment agreement takes effect, and what state will govern the transferred contract. The assignment agreement may also be called the contract assignment, assignment contract, or assignment of contract.

While assignment contracts are typically only used for amounts of less than $5,000, you can assign a higher profit contract when both the buyer and seller agree. You cannot assign a contract if the original contract prohibits doing so. 

If you are assigning a contract, you may want to ask the obligor to sign a release, or waiver, agreement that releases you from contract liability . In addition to transferring rights and obligations, you can also use an assignment agreement to transfer an income stream to an assignee. However, when transferring rights to intellectual or personal property, it's best to instead use a trademark assignment, bill of sale, or assignment of trade name.

How Do Assignments Work?

The procedure for assigning a contract depends on the language of that contract. For example, some contracts may disallow assignment, while others may allow it only when the obligor consents.  In some cases, the assignor is not relieved of contract liability. This occurs when the original contract has a clause that guarantees performance regardless of assignment.

If you want to buy a contract, look for sellers in newspaper ads, online marketing, and direct mail. In most cases, it makes the most sense to use multiple strategies. For real estate contracts , make sure you conduct a title search on the property in question to make sure there are no liens. You can hire a title company or real estate attorney to ensure that a title is clean before signing an assignment contract.

After you sign the assignment contract, you have interest in the property and can sell it to an end buyer. Market the property through a dedicated website. Once you find a potential buyer, require an earnest money deposit. This is nonrefundable and allows you to make a profit whether or not the deal is successfully completed. If the deal is completed, the end buyer wires funds to cover the sale price of the property along with your stated fee. 

In some cases, you can make a profit just by referring a buyer to an appropriate property and taking a finder's fee. With this strategy, you assign your rights to the buyer, allowing them to close on the property, after which you receive your fee. This is a low-risk endeavor if you have detailed information on exactly what each buyer is looking for. You'll also need to  have the resources to locate great properties before they hit the market. With those two components, you'll be able to make money as a real estate investor without risking your own capital. You can also close on the property yourself and immediately flip it to another investor.

When Are Assignments Not Enforced?

An assignment  agreement is not enforced if the original contract contains a clause that prohibits assignment. If performance is affected, value is decreased, or risk is increased for the obligor, few courts will enforce the assignment. These circumstances are referred to as a material alteration in the contract.

Contract assignments are also prohibited by some state laws. In many states, an employee is prohibited from assigning future wages. Certain claims against the federal government are also prohibited from an assignment. Some assignments violate public policy rather than law, such as assignment of personal injury claims. This is not allowed because it could encourage litigation.

If you need help with assignment of a contract you can  post your job  on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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Contract Assignment Agreement

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Contract Assignment Agreement

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This Contract Assignment Agreement document is used to transfer rights and responsibilities under an original contract from one Party, known as the Assignor, to another, known as the Assignee. The Assignor who was a Party to the original contract can use this document to assign their rights under the original contract to the Assignee, as well as delegating their duties under the original contract to that Assignee. For example, a nanny who as contracted with a family to watch their children but is no longer able to due to a move could assign their rights and responsibilities under the original service contract to a new childcare provider.

How to use this document

Prior to using this document, the original contract is consulted to be sure that an assignment is not prohibited and that any necessary permissions from the other Party to the original contract, known as the Obligor, have been obtained. Once this has been done, the document can be used. The Agreement contains important information such as the identities of all parties to the Agreement, the expiration date (if any) of the original contract, whether the original contract requires the Obligor's consent before assigning rights and, if so, the form of consent that the Assignor obtained and when, and which state's laws will govern the interpretation of the Agreement.

If the Agreement involves the transfer of land from one Party to another , the document will include information about where the property is located, as well as space for the document to be recorded in the county's official records, and a notary page customized for the land's location so that the document can be notarized.

Once the document has been completed, it is signed, dated, and copies are given to all concerned parties , including the Assignor, the Assignee, and the Obligor. If the Agreement concerns the transfer of land, the Agreement is then notarized and taken to be recorded so that there is an official record that the property was transferred.

Applicable law

The assignment of contracts that involve the provision of services is governed by common law in the " Second Restatement of Contracts " (the "Restatement"). The Restatement is a non-binding authority in all of U.S common law in the area of contracts and commercial transactions. Though the Restatement is non-binding, it is frequently cited by courts in explaining their reasoning in interpreting contractual disputes.

The assignment of contracts for sale of goods is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (the "UCC") in § 2-209 Modification, Rescission and Waiver .

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How to Draft an Assignment of Contract

Last Updated: January 23, 2022

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD . Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 5,773 times.

A contract is an agreement between at least two parties—A and B. However, one party might want to transfer the contract to someone else. For example, B might want to assign its rights and obligations to C. Sometimes, a contract prohibits assignment, in which case B can’t assign the contract to anyone. In other contracts, the other party to the original contract (here Party A) must also agree to the assignment from B to C. If the contract allows assignment, then an assignment can take place once a proper assignment agreement has been created.

Starting the Assignment Agreement

Step 1 Format your document.

  • If you are printing the agreement on letterhead, make sure to leave enough room at the top.

Step 3 Identify the parties.

  • Sample language could read, “This Assignment (‘Assignment’), dated as of [insert date] (‘Effective Date’), is made between [insert your name] (‘Assignor’) and [insert the name of the assignee] (‘Assignee’).” [1] X Research source

Step 4 Include your recitals.

  • Sample recitals could read, “Whereas, Assignor entered into the following Contract with [the name of the party you contracted with, called the ‘obligor’] on [insert date of the contract] (‘Contract’); and whereas Assignor wishes to assign all of its rights and obligations under the Contract to Assignee. Now, therefore, Assignor and Assignee agree as follows.”

Granting the Assignment

Step 1 Assign all rights and obligations.

  • A sample grant could read: “Assignor and Assignee hereby agree that the Assignor shall assign all its title, right, and interest, and delegate all its obligations, responsibilities, and duties, in and to the Contract to Assignee.”

Step 2 Include an acceptance by the assignee.

  • “Assignee hereby accepts the assignment of all of Assignor’s obligations, responsibilities, and duties under the Contract and all of Assignor’s right, title, and interest in and to the Contract.”

Step 3 Explain how to modify the assignment.

  • A sample modification provision could read: “This Agreement may only be modified if the modification is made in writing and executed by both Assignor and Assignee. No verbal agreement is allowed.”

Step 4 Allocate indemnification.

  • The assignor could agree to indemnify the obligor: “Assignor agrees to defend and indemnify [insert name of the obligor] from any and all claims, judgments, actions, proceedings, liabilities, and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of defense and damages, resulting from Assignor’s performance prior to the assignment of the Contract and resulting from Assignee’s performance after the assignment of the Contract. However, after the assignment of the Contract, [insert name of the obligor] shall first look to Assignee to satisfy all claims, actions, judgments, proceedings, liabilities, and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of defense and damages resulting from Assignee’s performance.”
  • The assignee should also agree to indemnify the obligor: “Assignee agrees to indemnify the [insert name of obligor] from any and all claims, judgments, actions, proceedings, liabilities, and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of defense and damages, resulting from Assignee’s performance after the assignment of the Contract.”

Finalizing the Agreement

Step 1 Identify the governing law.

  • You could write, “This Assignment shall be construed and interpreted, and the rights of the parties determined by, the laws of the State of Maine (without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof or any other jurisdiction).” [2] X Research source

Step 2 Include a severability clause.

  • A sample clause could read, “If any part of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall continue to be valid and enforceable.” [3] X Research source

Step 3 Add a signature block.

  • Just above the signature line, insert: “In witness whereof, the parties have caused this Assignment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.” [4] X Research source

Step 4 Show the agreement to an attorney.

  • If you don’t have an attorney, then you should contact your local or state bar association and ask for a referral.
  • When scheduling the consultation, ask how much the attorney charges.

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  • ↑ http://contracts.onecle.com/annies/baking-assignment-2014-03-20.shtml
  • ↑ http://www.contractstandards.com/clauses/severability

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Assignments: The Basic Law

The assignment of a right or obligation is a common contractual event under the law and the right to assign (or prohibition against assignments) is found in the majority of agreements, leases and business structural documents created in the United States.

As with many terms commonly used, people are familiar with the term but often are not aware or fully aware of what the terms entail. The concept of assignment of rights and obligations is one of those simple concepts with wide ranging ramifications in the contractual and business context and the law imposes severe restrictions on the validity and effect of assignment in many instances. Clear contractual provisions concerning assignments and rights should be in every document and structure created and this article will outline why such drafting is essential for the creation of appropriate and effective contracts and structures.

The reader should first read the article on Limited Liability Entities in the United States and Contracts since the information in those articles will be assumed in this article.

Basic Definitions and Concepts:

An assignment is the transfer of rights held by one party called the “assignor” to another party called the “assignee.” The legal nature of the assignment and the contractual terms of the agreement between the parties determines some additional rights and liabilities that accompany the assignment. The assignment of rights under a contract usually completely transfers the rights to the assignee to receive the benefits accruing under the contract. Ordinarily, the term assignment is limited to the transfer of rights that are intangible, like contractual rights and rights connected with property. Merchants Service Co. v. Small Claims Court , 35 Cal. 2d 109, 113-114 (Cal. 1950).

An assignment will generally be permitted under the law unless there is an express prohibition against assignment in the underlying contract or lease. Where assignments are permitted, the assignor need not consult the other party to the contract but may merely assign the rights at that time. However, an assignment cannot have any adverse effect on the duties of the other party to the contract, nor can it diminish the chance of the other party receiving complete performance. The assignor normally remains liable unless there is an agreement to the contrary by the other party to the contract.

The effect of a valid assignment is to remove privity between the assignor and the obligor and create privity between the obligor and the assignee. Privity is usually defined as a direct and immediate contractual relationship. See Merchants case above.

Further, for the assignment to be effective in most jurisdictions, it must occur in the present. One does not normally assign a future right; the assignment vests immediate rights and obligations.

No specific language is required to create an assignment so long as the assignor makes clear his/her intent to assign identified contractual rights to the assignee. Since expensive litigation can erupt from ambiguous or vague language, obtaining the correct verbiage is vital. An agreement must manifest the intent to transfer rights and can either be oral or in writing and the rights assigned must be certain.

Note that an assignment of an interest is the transfer of some identifiable property, claim, or right from the assignor to the assignee. The assignment operates to transfer to the assignee all of the rights, title, or interest of the assignor in the thing assigned. A transfer of all rights, title, and interests conveys everything that the assignor owned in the thing assigned and the assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor. Knott v. McDonald’s Corp ., 985 F. Supp. 1222 (N.D. Cal. 1997)

The parties must intend to effectuate an assignment at the time of the transfer, although no particular language or procedure is necessary. As long ago as the case of National Reserve Co. v. Metropolitan Trust Co ., 17 Cal. 2d 827 (Cal. 1941), the court held that in determining what rights or interests pass under an assignment, the intention of the parties as manifested in the instrument is controlling.

The intent of the parties to an assignment is a question of fact to be derived not only from the instrument executed by the parties but also from the surrounding circumstances. When there is no writing to evidence the intention to transfer some identifiable property, claim, or right, it is necessary to scrutinize the surrounding circumstances and parties’ acts to ascertain their intentions. Strosberg v. Brauvin Realty Servs., 295 Ill. App. 3d 17 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist. 1998)

The general rule applicable to assignments of choses in action is that an assignment, unless there is a contract to the contrary, carries with it all securities held by the assignor as collateral to the claim and all rights incidental thereto and vests in the assignee the equitable title to such collateral securities and incidental rights. An unqualified assignment of a contract or chose in action, however, with no indication of the intent of the parties, vests in the assignee the assigned contract or chose and all rights and remedies incidental thereto.

More examples: In Strosberg v. Brauvin Realty Servs ., 295 Ill. App. 3d 17 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist. 1998), the court held that the assignee of a party to a subordination agreement is entitled to the benefits and is subject to the burdens of the agreement. In Florida E. C. R. Co. v. Eno , 99 Fla. 887 (Fla. 1930), the court held that the mere assignment of all sums due in and of itself creates no different or other liability of the owner to the assignee than that which existed from the owner to the assignor.

And note that even though an assignment vests in the assignee all rights, remedies, and contingent benefits which are incidental to the thing assigned, those which are personal to the assignor and for his sole benefit are not assigned. Rasp v. Hidden Valley Lake, Inc ., 519 N.E.2d 153, 158 (Ind. Ct. App. 1988). Thus, if the underlying agreement provides that a service can only be provided to X, X cannot assign that right to Y.

Novation Compared to Assignment:

Although the difference between a novation and an assignment may appear narrow, it is an essential one. “Novation is a act whereby one party transfers all its obligations and benefits under a contract to a third party.” In a novation, a third party successfully substitutes the original party as a party to the contract. “When a contract is novated, the other contracting party must be left in the same position he was in prior to the novation being made.”

A sublease is the transfer when a tenant retains some right of reentry onto the leased premises. However, if the tenant transfers the entire leasehold estate, retaining no right of reentry or other reversionary interest, then the transfer is an assignment. The assignor is normally also removed from liability to the landlord only if the landlord consents or allowed that right in the lease. In a sublease, the original tenant is not released from the obligations of the original lease.

Equitable Assignments:

An equitable assignment is one in which one has a future interest and is not valid at law but valid in a court of equity. In National Bank of Republic v. United Sec. Life Ins. & Trust Co. , 17 App. D.C. 112 (D.C. Cir. 1900), the court held that to constitute an equitable assignment of a chose in action, the following has to occur generally: anything said written or done, in pursuance of an agreement and for valuable consideration, or in consideration of an antecedent debt, to place a chose in action or fund out of the control of the owner, and appropriate it to or in favor of another person, amounts to an equitable assignment. Thus, an agreement, between a debtor and a creditor, that the debt shall be paid out of a specific fund going to the debtor may operate as an equitable assignment.

In Egyptian Navigation Co. v. Baker Invs. Corp. , 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30804 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 14, 2008), the court stated that an equitable assignment occurs under English law when an assignor, with an intent to transfer his/her right to a chose in action, informs the assignee about the right so transferred.

An executory agreement or a declaration of trust are also equitable assignments if unenforceable as assignments by a court of law but enforceable by a court of equity exercising sound discretion according to the circumstances of the case. Since California combines courts of equity and courts of law, the same court would hear arguments as to whether an equitable assignment had occurred. Quite often, such relief is granted to avoid fraud or unjust enrichment.

Note that obtaining an assignment through fraudulent means invalidates the assignment. Fraud destroys the validity of everything into which it enters. It vitiates the most solemn contracts, documents, and even judgments. Walker v. Rich , 79 Cal. App. 139 (Cal. App. 1926). If an assignment is made with the fraudulent intent to delay, hinder, and defraud creditors, then it is void as fraudulent in fact. See our article on Transfers to Defraud Creditors .

But note that the motives that prompted an assignor to make the transfer will be considered as immaterial and will constitute no defense to an action by the assignee, if an assignment is considered as valid in all other respects.

Enforceability of Assignments:

Whether a right under a contract is capable of being transferred is determined by the law of the place where the contract was entered into. The validity and effect of an assignment is determined by the law of the place of assignment. The validity of an assignment of a contractual right is governed by the law of the state with the most significant relationship to the assignment and the parties.

In some jurisdictions, the traditional conflict of laws rules governing assignments has been rejected and the law of the place having the most significant contacts with the assignment applies. In Downs v. American Mut. Liability Ins. Co ., 14 N.Y.2d 266 (N.Y. 1964), a wife and her husband separated and the wife obtained a judgment of separation from the husband in New York. The judgment required the husband to pay a certain yearly sum to the wife. The husband assigned 50 percent of his future salary, wages, and earnings to the wife. The agreement authorized the employer to make such payments to the wife.

After the husband moved from New York, the wife learned that he was employed by an employer in Massachusetts. She sent the proper notice and demanded payment under the agreement. The employer refused and the wife brought an action for enforcement. The court observed that Massachusetts did not prohibit assignment of the husband’s wages. Moreover, Massachusetts law was not controlling because New York had the most significant relationship with the assignment. Therefore, the court ruled in favor of the wife.

Therefore, the validity of an assignment is determined by looking to the law of the forum with the most significant relationship to the assignment itself. To determine the applicable law of assignments, the court must look to the law of the state which is most significantly related to the principal issue before it.

Assignment of Contractual Rights:

Generally, the law allows the assignment of a contractual right unless the substitution of rights would materially change the duty of the obligor, materially increase the burden or risk imposed on the obligor by the contract, materially impair the chance of obtaining return performance, or materially reduce the value of the performance to the obligor. Restat 2d of Contracts, § 317(2)(a). This presumes that the underlying agreement is silent on the right to assign.

If the contract specifically precludes assignment, the contractual right is not assignable. Whether a contract is assignable is a matter of contractual intent and one must look to the language used by the parties to discern that intent.

In the absence of an express provision to the contrary, the rights and duties under a bilateral executory contract that does not involve personal skill, trust, or confidence may be assigned without the consent of the other party. But note that an assignment is invalid if it would materially alter the other party’s duties and responsibilities. Once an assignment is effective, the assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor and assumes all of assignor’s rights. Hence, after a valid assignment, the assignor’s right to performance is extinguished, transferred to assignee, and the assignee possesses the same rights, benefits, and remedies assignor once possessed. Robert Lamb Hart Planners & Architects v. Evergreen, Ltd. , 787 F. Supp. 753 (S.D. Ohio 1992).

On the other hand, an assignee’s right against the obligor is subject to “all of the limitations of the assignor’s right, all defenses thereto, and all set-offs and counterclaims which would have been available against the assignor had there been no assignment, provided that these defenses and set-offs are based on facts existing at the time of the assignment.” See Robert Lamb , case, above.

The power of the contract to restrict assignment is broad. Usually, contractual provisions that restrict assignment of the contract without the consent of the obligor are valid and enforceable, even when there is statutory authorization for the assignment. The restriction of the power to assign is often ineffective unless the restriction is expressly and precisely stated. Anti-assignment clauses are effective only if they contain clear, unambiguous language of prohibition. Anti-assignment clauses protect only the obligor and do not affect the transaction between the assignee and assignor.

Usually, a prohibition against the assignment of a contract does not prevent an assignment of the right to receive payments due, unless circumstances indicate the contrary. Moreover, the contracting parties cannot, by a mere non-assignment provision, prevent the effectual alienation of the right to money which becomes due under the contract.

A contract provision prohibiting or restricting an assignment may be waived, or a party may so act as to be estopped from objecting to the assignment, such as by effectively ratifying the assignment. The power to void an assignment made in violation of an anti-assignment clause may be waived either before or after the assignment. See our article on Contracts.

Noncompete Clauses and Assignments:

Of critical import to most buyers of businesses is the ability to ensure that key employees of the business being purchased cannot start a competing company. Some states strictly limit such clauses, some do allow them. California does restrict noncompete clauses, only allowing them under certain circumstances. A common question in those states that do allow them is whether such rights can be assigned to a new party, such as the buyer of the buyer.

A covenant not to compete, also called a non-competitive clause, is a formal agreement prohibiting one party from performing similar work or business within a designated area for a specified amount of time. This type of clause is generally included in contracts between employer and employee and contracts between buyer and seller of a business.

Many workers sign a covenant not to compete as part of the paperwork required for employment. It may be a separate document similar to a non-disclosure agreement, or buried within a number of other clauses in a contract. A covenant not to compete is generally legal and enforceable, although there are some exceptions and restrictions.

Whenever a company recruits skilled employees, it invests a significant amount of time and training. For example, it often takes years before a research chemist or a design engineer develops a workable knowledge of a company’s product line, including trade secrets and highly sensitive information. Once an employee gains this knowledge and experience, however, all sorts of things can happen. The employee could work for the company until retirement, accept a better offer from a competing company or start up his or her own business.

A covenant not to compete may cover a number of potential issues between employers and former employees. Many companies spend years developing a local base of customers or clients. It is important that this customer base not fall into the hands of local competitors. When an employee signs a covenant not to compete, he or she usually agrees not to use insider knowledge of the company’s customer base to disadvantage the company. The covenant not to compete often defines a broad geographical area considered off-limits to former employees, possibly tens or hundreds of miles.

Another area of concern covered by a covenant not to compete is a potential ‘brain drain’. Some high-level former employees may seek to recruit others from the same company to create new competition. Retention of employees, especially those with unique skills or proprietary knowledge, is vital for most companies, so a covenant not to compete may spell out definite restrictions on the hiring or recruiting of employees.

A covenant not to compete may also define a specific amount of time before a former employee can seek employment in a similar field. Many companies offer a substantial severance package to make sure former employees are financially solvent until the terms of the covenant not to compete have been met.

Because the use of a covenant not to compete can be controversial, a handful of states, including California, have largely banned this type of contractual language. The legal enforcement of these agreements falls on individual states, and many have sided with the employee during arbitration or litigation. A covenant not to compete must be reasonable and specific, with defined time periods and coverage areas. If the agreement gives the company too much power over former employees or is ambiguous, state courts may declare it to be overbroad and therefore unenforceable. In such case, the employee would be free to pursue any employment opportunity, including working for a direct competitor or starting up a new company of his or her own.

It has been held that an employee’s covenant not to compete is assignable where one business is transferred to another, that a merger does not constitute an assignment of a covenant not to compete, and that a covenant not to compete is enforceable by a successor to the employer where the assignment does not create an added burden of employment or other disadvantage to the employee. However, in some states such as Hawaii, it has also been held that a covenant not to compete is not assignable and under various statutes for various reasons that such covenants are not enforceable against an employee by a successor to the employer. Hawaii v. Gannett Pac. Corp. , 99 F. Supp. 2d 1241 (D. Haw. 1999)

It is vital to obtain the relevant law of the applicable state before drafting or attempting to enforce assignment rights in this particular area.

Conclusion:

In the current business world of fast changing structures, agreements, employees and projects, the ability to assign rights and obligations is essential to allow flexibility and adjustment to new situations. Conversely, the ability to hold a contracting party into the deal may be essential for the future of a party. Thus, the law of assignments and the restriction on same is a critical aspect of every agreement and every structure. This basic provision is often glanced at by the contracting parties, or scribbled into the deal at the last minute but can easily become the most vital part of the transaction.

As an example, one client of ours came into the office outraged that his co venturer on a sizable exporting agreement, who had excellent connections in Brazil, had elected to pursue another venture instead and assigned the agreement to a party unknown to our client and without the business contacts our client considered vital. When we examined the handwritten agreement our client had drafted in a restaurant in Sao Paolo, we discovered there was no restriction on assignment whatsoever…our client had not even considered that right when drafting the agreement after a full day of work.

One choses who one does business with carefully…to ensure that one’s choice remains the party on the other side of the contract, one must master the ability to negotiate proper assignment provisions.

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Assignment Agreement Template

Use our assignment agreement to transfer contractual obligations.

Assignment Agreement Template

Updated February 1, 2024 Written by Josh Sainsbury | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

An assignment agreement is a legal document that transfers rights, responsibilities, and benefits from one party (the “assignor”) to another (the “assignee”). You can use it to reassign debt, real estate, intellectual property, leases, insurance policies, and government contracts.

What Is an Assignment Agreement?

What to include in an assignment agreement, how to assign a contract, how to write an assignment agreement, assignment agreement sample.

trademark assignment agreement template

Partnership Interest

An assignment agreement effectively transfers the rights and obligations of a person or entity under an initial contract to another. The original party is the assignor, and the assignee takes on the contract’s duties and benefits.

It’s often a requirement to let the other party in the original deal know the contract is being transferred. It’s essential to create this form thoughtfully, as a poorly written assignment agreement may leave the assignor obligated to certain aspects of the deal.

The most common use of an assignment agreement occurs when the assignor no longer can or wants to continue with a contract. Instead of leaving the initial party or breaking the agreement, the assignor can transfer the contract to another individual or entity.

For example, imagine a small residential trash collection service plans to close its operations. Before it closes, the business brokers a deal to send its accounts to a curbside pickup company providing similar services. After notifying account holders, the latter company continues the service while receiving payment.

Create a thorough assignment agreement by including the following information:

  • Effective Date:  The document must indicate when the transfer of rights and obligations occurs.
  • Parties:  Include the full name and address of the assignor, assignee, and obligor (if required).
  • Assignment:  Provide details that identify the original contract being assigned.
  • Third-Party Approval: If the initial contract requires the approval of the obligor, note the date the approval was received.
  • Signatures:  Both parties must sign and date the printed assignment contract template once completed. If a notary is required, wait until you are in the presence of the official and present identification before signing. Failure to do so may result in having to redo the assignment contract.

Review the Contract Terms

Carefully review the terms of the existing contract. Some contracts may have specific provisions regarding assignment. Check for any restrictions or requirements related to assigning the contract.

Check for Anti-Assignment Clauses

Some contracts include anti-assignment clauses that prohibit or restrict the ability to assign the contract without the consent of the other party. If there’s such a clause, you may need the consent of the original parties to proceed.

Determine Assignability

Ensure that the contract is assignable. Some contracts, especially those involving personal services or unique skills, may not be assignable without the other party’s agreement.

Get Consent from the Other Party (if Required)

If the contract includes an anti-assignment clause or requires consent for assignment, seek written consent from the other party. This can often be done through a formal amendment to the contract.

Prepare an Assignment Agreement

Draft an assignment agreement that clearly outlines the transfer of rights and obligations from the assignor (the party assigning the contract) to the assignee (the party receiving the assignment). Include details such as the names of the parties, the effective date of the assignment, and the specific rights and obligations being transferred.

Include Original Contract Information

Attach a copy of the original contract or reference its key terms in the assignment agreement. This helps in clearly identifying the contract being assigned.

Execution of the Assignment Agreement

Both the assignor and assignee should sign the assignment agreement. Signatures should be notarized if required by the contract or local laws.

Notice to the Other Party

Provide notice of the assignment to the non-assigning party. This can be done formally through a letter or as specified in the contract.

File the Assignment

File the assignment agreement with the appropriate parties or entities as required. This may include filing with the original contracting party or relevant government authorities.

Communicate with Third Parties

Inform any relevant third parties, such as suppliers, customers, or service providers, about the assignment to ensure a smooth transition.

Keep Copies for Records

Keep copies of the assignment agreement, original contract, and any related communications for your records.

Here’s a list of steps on how to write an assignment agreement:

Step 1 – List the Assignor’s and Assignee’s Details

List all of the pertinent information regarding the parties involved in the transfer. This information includes their full names, addresses, phone numbers, and other relevant contact information.

This step clarifies who’s transferring the initial contract and who will take on its responsibilities.

Step 2 – Provide Original Contract Information

Describing and identifying the contract that is effectively being reassigned is essential. This step avoids any confusion after the transfer has been completed.

Step 3 – State the Consideration

Provide accurate information regarding the amount the assignee pays to assume the contract. This figure should include taxes and any relevant peripheral expenses. If the assignee will pay the consideration over a period, indicate the method and installments.

Step 4 – Provide Any Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions of any agreement are crucial to a smooth transaction. You must cover issues such as dispute resolution, governing law, obligor approval, and any relevant clauses.

Step 5 – Obtain Signatures

Both parties must sign the agreement to ensure it is legally binding and that they have read and understood the contract. If a notary is required, wait to sign off in their presence.

Assignment Agreement Template

Related Documents

  • Sales and Purchase Agreement : Outlines the terms and conditions of an item sale.
  • Business Contract : An agreement in which each party agrees to an exchange, typically involving money, goods, or services.
  • Lease/Rental Agreement : A lease agreement is a written document that officially recognizes a legally binding relationship between two parties -- a landlord and a tenant.
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Assignment Agreement Template

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Assignment provisions in contracts

Author’s note, Nov. 22, 2014: For a much-improved update of this page, see the Common Draft general provisions article .

(For more real-world stories like the ones below, see my PDF e-book, Signing a Business Contract? A Quick Checklist for Greater Peace of Mind , a compendium of tips and true stories to help you steer clear of various possible minefields. Learn more …. )

Table of Contents

Legal background: Contracts generally are freely assignable

When a party to a contract “ assigns ” the contract to someone else, it means that party, known as the assignor , has transferred its rights under the contract to someone else, known as the assignee , and also has delegated its obligations to the assignee.

Under U.S. law, most contract rights are freely assignable , and most contract duties are freely delegable, absent some special character of the duty, unless the agreement says otherwise. In some situations, however, the parties will not want their opposite numbers to be able to assign the agreement freely; contracts often include language to this effect.

Intellectual-property licenses are an exception to the general rule of assignability. Under U.S. law, an IP licensee may not assign its license rights, nor delegate its license obligations, without the licensor’s consent, even when the license agreement is silent. See, for example, In re XMH Corp. , 647 F.3d 690 (7th Cir. 2011) (Posner, J; trademark licenses); Cincom Sys., Inc. v. Novelis Corp. , 581 F.3d 431 (6th Cir. 2009) (copyright licenses); Rhone-Poulenc Agro, S.A. v. DeKalb Genetics Corp. , 284 F.3d 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (patent licenses). For additional information, see this article by John Paul, Brian Kacedon, and Douglas W. Meier of the Finnegan Henderson firm.

Assignment consent requirements

Model language

[Party name] may not assign this Agreement to any other person without the express prior written consent of the other party or its successor in interest, as applicable, except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement. A putative assignment made without such required consent will have no effect.

Optional: Nor may [Party name] assign any right or interest arising out of this Agreement, in whole or in part, without such consent.

Alternative: For the avoidance of doubt, consent is not required for an assignment (absolute, collateral, or other) or pledge of, nor for any grant of a security interest in, a right to payment under this Agreement.

Optional: An assignment of this Agreement by operation of law, as a result of a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, or other transaction or series of transactions, requires consent to the same extent as would an assignment to the same assignee outside of such a transaction or series of transactions.

• An assignment-consent requirement like this can give the non-assigning party a chokehold on a future merger or corporate reorganization by the assigning party — see the case illustrations below.

• A party being asked to agree to an assignment-consent requirement should consider trying to negotiate one of the carve-out provisions below, for example, when the assignment is connection with a sale of substantially all the assets of the assignor’s business {Link} .

Case illustrations

The dubai port deal (ny times story and story ).

In 2006, a Dubai company that operated several U.S. ports agreed to sell those operations. (The agreement came about because of publicity and political pressure about the alleged national-security implications of having Middle-Eastern companies in charge of U.S. port operations.)

A complication arose in the case of the Port of Newark: The Dubai company’s lease agreement gave the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey the right to consent to any assignment of the agreement — and that agency initially demanded $84 million for its consent.

After harsh criticism from political leaders, the Port Authority backed down a bit: it gave consent in return for “only” a $10 million consent fee, plus $40 million investment commitment by the buyer.

Cincom Sys., Inc. v. Novelis Corp., No. 07-4142 (6th Cir. Sept. 25, 2009) (affirming summary judgment)

A customer of a software vendor did an internal reorganization. As a result, the vendor’s software ended up being used by a sister company of the original customer. The vendor demanded that the sister company buy a new license. The sister company refused.

The vendor sued, successfully, for copyright infringement, and received the price of a new license, more than $450,000 as its damages. The case is discussed in more detail in this blog posting.

The vendor’s behavior strikes me as extremely shortsighted, for a couple of reasons: First, I wouldn’t bet much on the likelihood the customer would ever buy anything again from that vendor. Second, I would bet that the word got around about what the vendor did, and that this didn’t do the vendor’s reputation any good.

Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC v. Roche Diagnostics GmbH, No. 5589-VCP (Del. Ch. Apr. 8, 2011) (denying motion to dismiss).

The Delaware Chancery Court refused to rule out the possibility that a reverse triangular merger could act as an assignment of a contract, which under the contract terms would have required consent. See also the discussion of this opinion by Katherine Jones of the Sheppard Mullin law firm.

Assignment with transfer of business assets

Consent is not required for an assignment of this Agreement in connection with a sale or other disposition of substantially all the assets of the assigning party’s business.

Optional: Alternatively, the sale or other disposition may be of substantially all the assets of the assigning party’s business to which this Agreement specifically relates.

Optional: The assignee must not be a competitor of the non-assigning party.

• A prospective assigning party might argue that it needed to keep control of its own strategic destiny, for example by preserving its freedom to sell off a product line or division (or even the whole company) in an asset sale.

• A non-assigning party might argue that it could not permit the assignment of the agreement to one of its competitors, and that the only way to ensure this was to retain a veto over any assignment.

• Another approach might be to give the non-assigning party, instead of a veto over asset-disposition assignments, the right to terminate the contract for convenience . (Of course, the implications of termination would have to be carefully thought through.)

Assignment to affiliate

[Either party] may assign this Agreement without consent to its affiliate.

Optional: The assigning party must unconditionally guarantee the assignee’s performance.

Optional: The affiliate must not be a competitor of the non-assigning party.

Optional: The affiliate must be a majority-ownership affiliate of the assigning party.

• A prospective assigning party might argue for the right to assign to an affiliate to preserve its freedom to move assets around within its “corporate family” without having to seek approval.

• The other party might reasonably object that there is no way to know in advance whether an affiliate-assignee would be in a position to fulfill the assigning party’s obligations under the contract, nor whether it would have reachable assets in case of a breach.

Editorial comment: Before approving a blanket affiliate-assignment authorization, a party should consider whether it knew enough about the other party’s existing- or future affiliates to be comfortable with where the agreement might end up.

Consent may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed

Consent to an assignment of this Agreement requiring it may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Optional: For the avoidance of doubt, any damages suffered by a party seeking a required consent to assignment of this Agreement, resulting from an unreasonable withholding or delay of such consent, are to be treated as direct damages.

Optional: For the avoidance of doubt, any damages suffered by a party seeking a required consent to assignment of this Agreement, resulting from an unreasonable withholding or delay of such consent, are not subject to any exclusion of remedies or other limitation of liability in this Agreement.

• Even if this provision were absent, applicable law might impose a reasonableness requirement; see the discussion of the Shoney case in the commentary to the Consent at discretion provision.

• A reasonableness requirement might not be of much practical value, whether contractual or implied by law. Such a requirement could not guarantee that the non-assigning party would give its consent when the assigning party wants it. And by the time a court could resolve the matter, the assigning party’s deal could have been blown.

• Still, an unreasonable-withholding provision should make the non-assigning party think twice about dragging its feet too much, becuase of the prospect of being held liable for damages for a busted transaction. Cf. Pennzoil vs. Texaco and its $10.5 billion damage award for tortious interference with an M&A deal.

• Including an unreasonable-delay provision might conflict with the Materiality of assignment breach provision, for reasons discussed there in the summary of the Hess Energy case.

Consent at discretion

A party having the right to grant or withhold consent to an assignment of this Agreement may do so in its sole and unfettered discretion.

• If a party might want the absolute right to withhold consent to an assignment in its sole discretion, it would be a good idea to try to include that in the contract language. Otherwise, there’s a risk that court might impose a commercial-reasonableness test under applicable law (see the next bullet). On the other hand, asking for such language but not getting it could be fatal to the party’s case that it was implicitly entitled to withhold consent in its discretion.

• If a commercial- or residential lease agreement requires the landlord’s consent before the tentant can assign the lease, state law might impose a reasonableness requirement. I haven’t researched this, but ran across an unpublished California opinion and an old law review article, each collecting cases. See Nevada Atlantic Corp. v. Wrec Lido Venture, LLC, No. G039825 (Cal. App. Dec. 8, 2008) (unpublished; reversing judgment that sole-discretion withholding of consent was unreasonable); Paul J. Weddle, Pacific First Bank v. New Morgan Park Corporation: Reasonable Withholding of Consent to Commercial Lease Assignments , 31 Willamette L. Rev. 713 (1995) (first page available for free at HeinOnline ).

Shoney’s LLC v. MAC East, LLC, No. 1071465 (Ala. Jul. 31, 2009)

In 2009, the Alabama Supreme Court rejected a claim that Shoney’s restaurant chain breached a contract when it demanded a $70,000 to $90,000 payment as the price of its consent to a proposed sublease. The supreme court noted that the contract specifically gave Shoney’s the right, in its sole discretion , to consent to any proposed assignment or sublease.

Significantly, prior case law from Alabama was to the effect that a refusal to consent would indeed be judged by a commercial-reasonableness standard. But, the supreme court said, “[w]here the parties to a contract use language that is inconsistent with a commercial-reasonableness standard, the terms of such contract will not be altered by an implied covenant of good faith. Therefore, an unqualified express standard such as ‘sole discretion’ is also to be construed as written.” Shoney’s LLC v. MAC East, LLC , No. 1071465 (Ala. Jul. 31, 2009) (on certification by Eleventh Circuit), cited by MAC East, LLC v. Shoney’s [LLC] , No. 07-11534 (11th Cir. Aug. 11, 2009), reversing No. 2:05-cv-1038-MEF (WO) (M.D. Ala. Jan. 8, 2007) (granting partial summary judgment that Shoney’s had breached the contract).

Termination by non-assigning party

A non-assigning party may terminate this Agreement, in its business discretion , by giving notice to that effect no later than 60 days after receiving notice, from either the assigning party or the assignee, that an assignment of the Agreement has become effective.

Consider an agreement in which a vendor is to provide ongoing services to a customer. A powerful customer might demand the right to consent to the vendor’s assignment of the agreement, even in strategic transactions. The vendor, on the other hand, might refuse to give any customer that kind of control of its strategic options.

A workable compromise might be to allow the customer to terminate the agreement during a stated window of time after the assignment if it is not happy with the new vendor.

Assignment – other provisions

Optional: Delegation: For the avoidance of doubt, an assignment of this Agreement operates as a transfer of the assigning party’s rights and a delegation of its duties under this Agreement.

Optional: Promise to perform: For the avoidance of doubt, an assignee’s acceptance of an assignment of this Agreement constitutes the assignee’s promise to perform the assigning party’s duties under the Agreement. That promise is enforceable by either the assigning party or by the non-assigning party.

Optional: Written assumption by assignee: IF: The non-assigning party so requests of an assignee of this Agreement; THEN: The assignee will seasonably provide the non-assigning party with a written assumption of the assignor’s obligations, duly executed by or on behalf of the assignee; ELSE: The assignment will be of no effect.

Optional: No release: For the avoidance of doubt, an assignment of this Agreement does not release the assigning party from its responsibility for performance of its duties under the Agreement unless the non-assigning party so agrees in writing.

Optional: Confidentiality: A non-assigning party will preserve in confidence any non-public information about an actual- or proposed assignment of this Agreement that may be disclosed to that party by a party participating in, or seeking consent for, the assignment.

The Delegation provision might not be necessary in a contract for the sale of goods governed by the Uniform Commercial Code, because a similar provision is found in UCC 2-210

The Confidentiality provision would be useful if a party to the agreement anticipated that it might be engaging in any kind of merger or other strategic transaction.

Materiality of assignment breach

IF: A party breaches any requirement of this Agreement that the party obtain another party’s consent to assign this Agreement; THEN: Such breach is to be treated as a material breach of this Agreement.

A chief significance of this kind of provision is that failure to obtain consent to assignment, if it were a material breach, would give the non-assigning party the right to terminate the Agreement.

If an assignment-consent provision requires that consent not be unreasonably withheld , then failure to obtain consent to a reasonable assignment would not be a material breach, according to the court in Hess Energy Inc. v. Lightning Oil Co. , No. 01-1582 (4th Cir. Jan. 18, 2002) (reversing summary judgment). In that case, the agreement was a natural-gas supply contract. The customer was acquired by a larger company, after which the larger company took over some of the contract administration responsibilities such as payment of the vendor’s invoices. The vendor, seeking to sell its gas to someone else at a higher price, sent a notice of termination, on grounds that the customer had “assigned” the agreement to its new parent company, in violation of the contract’s assignment-consent provision. The appeals court held that, even if the customer had indeed assigned the contract (a point on which it expressed considerable doubt) without consent, the resulting breach of the agreement was not material, and therefore the vendor did not have the right to terminate the contract.

See also (list is generated automatically) :

  • Notebook update: Reverse triangular merger might be an assignment of a contract, requiring consent Just updated the Notebook with a citation to a case in which the Delaware Chancery Court refused to rule out the possibility that a reverse...
  • Assignment-consent requirements can cause serious problems in future M&A transactions A lot of contracts provide that Party A must obtain the prior written consent of Party B if it wishes to assign the agreement to a...
  • SCOTX rejects implied obligation not to unreasonably withhold consent to assignment of contract In a recent Texas case, two sophisticated parties in the oil and gas busi­ness — let’s call them Alpha and Bravo — were negotiating a contract....
  • Ken Adams and the marketplace of ideas I (used to) comment occasionally at Ken Adams’s blog. Recent examples: Here, here, here, here, and here. Ken and I disagree on a number of issues; some...

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Deed of Assignment or Deed of Novation: Key Differences and Legal Implications of Novation and Assignment Contracts

  • FACT-CHECKED

Close-up of two people exchanging pens and reviewing a document with a laptop in the background.

Introduction

Novation and assignment stand out as pivotal processes for the transfer of contractual rights and obligations. These legal concepts allow a party to the contract to adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that business arrangements remain relevant and effective. This article explores the nuances of novation and assignment, shedding light on their distinct legal implications, procedures, and practical applications. Whether you’re a business owner navigating the transfer of service contracts, or an individual looking to understand your rights and responsibilities in a contractual relationship, or a key stakeholder in a construction contract, this guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate these complex legal processes.

What is a Deed of Novation?

Novation is a legal process that allows a new party to a contract to take the place of an original party in a contract, thereby transferring both the responsibilities and benefits under the contract to a third party. In common law, transferring contractual obligations through novation requires the agreement of all original parties involved in the contract, as well as the new party. This is because novation effectively terminates the original contract and establishes a new one.

A novation clause typically specifies that a contract cannot be novated without the written consent of the current parties. The inclusion of such a clause aims to preclude the possibility of novation based on verbal consent or inferred from the actions of a continuing party. Nevertheless, courts will assess the actual events that transpired, and a novation clause may not always be enforceable. It’s possible for a novation clause to allow for future novation by one party acting alone to a party of their choosing. Courts will enforce a novation carried out in this manner if it is sanctioned by the correct interpretation of the original contract.

Novation is frequently encountered in business and contract law, offering a means for parties to transfer their contractual rights and duties to another, which can be useful if the original party cannot meet their obligations or wishes to transfer their contract rights. For novation to occur, there must be unanimous consent for the substitution of the new party for the original one, necessitating a three-way agreement among the original party, the new party, and the remaining contract party. Moreover, the novation agreement must be documented in writing and signed by all involved parties. Understanding novation is essential in the realms of contracts and business dealings, as it provides a way for parties to delegate their contractual rights and responsibilities while freeing themselves from the original agreement.

What is a Deed of Assignment?

A deed of assignment is a legal document that facilitates the transfer of a specific right or benefit from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee). This process allows the assignee to step into the assignor’s position, taking over both the rights and obligations under the original contract. In construction, this might occur when a main contractor assigns rights under a subcontract to the employer, allowing the employer to enforce specific subcontractor duties directly if the contractor fails.

Key aspects of an assignment include:

  • Continuation of the Original Contract: The initial agreement remains valid and enforceable, despite the transfer of rights or benefits.
  • Assumption of Rights and Obligations: The assignee assumes the role of the assignor, adopting all associated rights and responsibilities as outlined in the original contract.
  • Requirement for Written Form: The assignment must be documented in writing, signed by the assignor, and officially communicated to the obligor (the party obligated under the contract).
  • Subject to Terms and Law: The ability to assign rights or benefits is governed by the specific terms of the contract and relevant legal statutes.

At common law, parties generally have the right to assign their contractual rights without needing consent from the other party involved in the contract. However, this does not apply if the rights are inherently personal or if the contract includes an assignment clause that restricts or modifies this general right. Many contracts contain a provision requiring the consent of the other party for an assignment to occur, ensuring that rights are not transferred without the other party’s knowledge.

Once an assignment of rights is made, the assignee gains the right to benefit from the contract and can initiate legal proceedings to enforce these rights. This enforcement can be done either independently or alongside the assignor, depending on whether the assignment is legal or equitable. It’s important to note that while rights under the contract can be assigned, the contractual obligations or burdens cannot be transferred in this manner. Therefore, the assignor remains liable for any obligations under the contract that are not yet fulfilled at the time of the assignment.

Key Differences Between Novation and Assignment Deeds

Transfer of rights or obligationsTransfers both the benefit and the burden of a contract to a third party.Transfers only the benefit of a contract, not the burden.
Consent RequiredNovation requires the consent of all parties (original parties and incoming party).Consent from the original party is necessary; incoming party’s consent may not be required, depending on contract terms.
Nature of ContractCreates a new contractual relationship; effectively, a new contract is entered into with another party.Maintains the original contract, altering only the party to whom benefits flow.
FormalitiesTypically effected through a tripartite agreement due to the need for all parties’ consent.Can often be simpler; may not require a formal agreement, depending on the original contract’s terms.

Choosing Between Assignment and Novation in a Construction Contract

Choosing between a deed of novation and an assignment agreement depends on the specific circumstances and objectives of the parties involved in a contract. Both options serve to transfer rights and obligations but in fundamentally different ways, each with its own legal implications, risks, and benefits. Understanding these differences and considering various factors can help in making an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

Need a Deed of Novation or Assignment? Key Factors to Consider

The choice between assignment and novation in a construction project scenario, where, for instance, an employer wishes to engage a subcontractor directly due to loss of confidence in the main contractor, hinges on several factors. These are:

  • Nature of the Contract:  The type of contract you’re dealing with (e.g., service, sales) can influence which option is more suitable. For instance, novation might be preferred for service contracts where obligations are personal and specific to the original parties.
  • Parties Involved: Consent is a key factor. Novation requires the agreement of all original and new parties, making it a viable option only when such consent is attainable. Assignment might be more feasible if obtaining consent from all parties poses a challenge.
  • Complexity of the Transaction: For transactions involving multiple parties and obligations, novation could be more appropriate as it ensures a clean transfer of all rights and obligations. Assignment might leave the original party with ongoing responsibilities.
  • Time and Cost: Consider the practical aspects, such as the time and financial cost associated with each option. Novation typically involves more complex legal processes and might be more time-consuming and costly than an assignment.

If the intention is merely to transfer the rights of the subcontractor’s work to the employer without altering the subcontractor’s obligations under a contract, an assignment might suffice. However, if the goal is to completely transfer the main contractor’s contractual role and obligations to the employer or another entity, novation would be necessary, ensuring that all parties consent to this new arrangement and the original contractor is released from their obligations.

The legal interpretations and court decisions highlight the importance of the document’s substance over its label. Even if a document is titled a “Deed of Assignment,” it could function as a novation if it transfers obligations and responsibilities and involves the consent of all parties. The key is to clearly understand and define the objective behind changing the contractual relationships and to use a deed — assignment or novation — that best achieves the desired legal and practical outcomes, ensuring the continuity and successful completion of the construction project.

Selecting the Right Assignment Clause for Your Contract – Helping You Make the Right Choice

Understanding the distinction between assignment deeds and novation deeds is crucial for anyone involved in contractual agreements. Novation offers a clean slate by transferring both rights and obligations to a new party, requiring the consent of all involved. Assignment, conversely, allows for the transfer of contractual benefits without altering the original contract’s obligations. Each method serves different strategic purposes, from simplifying transitions to preserving original contractual duties. The choice between novation and assignment hinges on specific legal, financial, and practical considerations unique to each situation. At PBL Law Group, we specialise in providing comprehensive legal advice and support in contract law. Our team is dedicated to helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions that align with their legal and business objectives. Let’s discuss!

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Authored By Raea Khan

Director Lawyer, PBL Law Group

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Contract Assignment Agreement

Jump to section, what is a contract assignment agreement.

A contract assignment agreement is a document that transfers the contractual rights and duties of one party to another. The other party involved in the contract must agree to the terms of the transfer as well as they will now be in a contractual agreement with a different party.

Contract of assignment agreements must not violate any other laws or statutes in order to be enforced. The original contract must also allow assignments, or at least not explicitly prohibit them. Contract of assignment agreements cannot alter what is expected from the original contract.

Contract Assignment Agreement Sample

Reference : Security Exchange Commission - Edgar Database, EX-10.45 61 dex1045.htm ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT , Viewed October 27, 2022, View Source on SEC .

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ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.

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Damian is a founding partner of Holon Law Partners. He began his career as an officer in the Marine Corps, managing legal affairs for his command in Okinawa, Japan. In this role, he conducted investigations, assembled juries for courts martial, and advised his commander on criminal justice matters. Damian was twice selected to serve as his unit’s liaison to the Japanese government and self-defense forces. Damian later worked as a transactional attorney in New York, where he handled commercial real estate, finance, and restructuring matters. He has also participated in insider trading investigations at the SEC, worked on compliance at a private equity firm, and managed legal operations and special projects at a vertically integrated cannabis company in New Mexico. Damian draws on these diverse experiences to provide his clients with creative solutions to thorny legal issues – from negotiating commercial leases to managing complex securities offerings. In addition to practicing law, Damian volunteers as a research assistant at the University of New Mexico Medical School’s McCormick Lab – studying the microbiology of longevity and aging. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his two pit bulls and pursuing his passions for foreign languages, art, philosophy, and fitness. Damian resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Contract Assignments

(This may not be the same place you live)

  What is a Contract Assignment?

In a contract assignment, one of the two parties to a contract may transfer their right to the other’s performance to a third party. This is known as “contract assignment.” Generally, all rights under a contract may be assigned. A provision in the contract that states the contract may not be assigned usually refers to the delegation of the assignor’s (person who assigns) duties under that contract, not their rights under the contract. 

In modern law, the phrase “assignment of contract” usually means assignment of both rights and duties under a contract.

Who are the Various Parties Involved in a Contract Assignment?

How is a contract assignment created, when is a contract assignment prohibited, which parties are liable to each other in a contract assignment, are there issues with multiple assignments, should i hire a lawyer for contract assignments.

In a contract, there are two parties to the agreement, X and Y. The parties may agree to let X assign X’s rights to a third party . Once the third party enters the picture, each party has a special name. For instance, suppose X, a seller of bookmarks, contracts with Y, a purchaser of bookmarks. Y desires to have Y’s right to X’s performance (the sale of bookmarks on a monthly basis) to another person. 

This third person, Z, is called the assignee. X is called the obligor , and Y is called the assignor , since Y has assigned its right to X’s performance . X, the obligor, is obligated to continue to perform its duties under the agreement.

There are no “magic words” needed to create an assignment. The law simply requires that the would-be assignor have an intent to immediately and completely transfer their rights in the agreement. In addition, writing is typically not required to create an assignment. As long as X and Y both adequately understand what right is being assigned, an assignment is created. 

Words that indicate a transfer is to take place suffice, such as “I intend to transfer my rights under this agreement,” or, “I intend to give my rights to Z,” or “I intend to confer an assignment on Z.” In addition,consideration,which is a bargained-for exchange required for a contract to be valid, is not required for assignment.

In certain instances, an assignment of contract rights can be prohibited. If the contract contains a clause prohibiting assignment of “the contract,” without specifying more, the law construes this language as barring only delegation of the assignor’s duties, not their rights. If the assignment language states “assignment of contractual rights are prohibited,” the obligor may sue for damages if the assignor attempts to assign the agreement. If the contract language states that attempts to assign “will be void,” the parties can bar assignment.of rights.

Under modern contract law, the phrase “I assign the contract” is usually interpreted to mean that one is assigning rights and duties. What is an assignment of duties? An assignment of duties occurs where Y, called the obligor or delegator, promises to perform for X, the obligee. Y then delegates their duty to perform to Z, the delegate. Under the law, most duties can be delegated. 

There are exceptions to this rule. Delegation can be prohibited when:

  • The duties to be performed involve personal judgment and special skill (e.g., a portrait, creation of a custom-made dress). 
  • “Personal judgment” is the exercise of some kind of superior judgment when it comes to determining how, when, or where to do something. Examples of individuals who exercise personal judgment include talent scouts and financial advisors.  Special skill is the unique ability to create a good or perform a service. A delegator can be prohibited from delegating duties when it is that specific delegator’s services are sought. For example, if the services of a specific famous chef are sought, and the original agreement was entered into on the understanding that the chef was hired for their specific talent, the delegator may not delegate the services;
  • The assignment fundamentally changes risks or responsibilities under the agreement;
  • The assignment is over future rights associated with a future contract that does not currently exist;
  • Delegation would increase the obligation of the obligee. For example, if a shoe manufacturer contracts to deliver soles to a store in the same town as the shoe factory, the other party cannot assign the delivery to a different store in another state. Doing so would impose a greater obligation on the obligee than was originally contemplated;
  • The obligee had placed special trust in the delegator. For example, assume that you have hired a patent attorney, based on that attorney’s significant skill and expertise, to obtain a valuable patent. You have placed special trust in this person, hiring them instead of other patent attorneys, because of their unique expertise. In such a situation, the attorney may not delegate his duties to another attorney (delegate), since the attorney was hired because of one person’s special capabilities;
  • The delegation is of a promise to repay a debt; or
  • The contract itself restricts or prohibits delegation. If the contract states, “any attempt to delegate duties under this contract is void,” a delegation will not be permitted.

In a contract involving assignment of rights, the assignee may sue the obligor. This is because the assignee, once the assignee has been assigned rights, is entitled to performance under the contract. If the obligor had a defense that existed in the original contract between obligor and assignor, the obligor may assert that defense against the assignee. Examples of such defenses include the original contract was not valid because of lack of consideration, or because there was never a valid offer or acceptance).

An assignee may also sue an assignor. Generally, if an assignment is made for consideration,it is irrevocable. Assignments not made for consideration, but under which an obligor has already performed, are also irrevocable. If an assignor attempts to revoke an irrevocable assignment,the assignee may sue for “wrongful revocation.” 

In circumstances involving delegation of duties,an obligee must accept performance from the delegate of all duties that may be delegated. The delegator remains liable on the agreement. Therefore, the obligee may sue the delegator for nonperformance by the delegate. The obligee may sue the delegate for nonperformance, but can only require the delegate to perform if there has been an assumption by the delegate. An assumption by the delegate is a promise that the delegate will perform the delegated duty, which promise is supported by consideration. 

Assignments that are not supported by consideration are revocable. If an initial assignment is revocable, a subsequent assignment can revoke it. If a first assignment is irrevocable, because consideration was present,the first assignment will usually prevail over a subsequent assignment. This means the person who can claim the assignment was first made to them will prevail over someone who claims a subsequent assignment. 

If, however, the second person paid value for the assignment, and entered into the assignment without knowing of the first assignment, the “subsequent”assignee is entitled to proceeds the first judgment against the obligor (the original party who still must perform), in the event such a judgment is issued,

If you have an issue with assignment of rights or duties under a contract, you should contact a contract lawyer  for advice. An experienced business lawyer near you can review the facts of your case, advise you of your rights, and represent you in court proceedings.

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Daniel Lebovic

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Original Author

Prior to joining LegalMatch, Daniel worked as a legal editor for a large HR Compliance firm, focusing on employer compliance in numerous areas of the law including workplace safety law, health care law, wage and hour law, and cybersecurity. Prior to that, Daniel served as a litigator for several small law firms, handling a diverse caseload that included cases in Real Estate Law (property ownership rights, residential landlord/tenant disputes, foreclosures), Employment Law (minimum wage and overtime claims, discrimination, workers’ compensation, labor-management relations), Construction Law, and Commercial Law (consumer protection law and contracts). Daniel holds a J.D. from the Emory University School of Law and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and before the State Bar of Georgia. Daniel is also admitted to practice before the United States Courts of Appeals for both the 2nd and 11th Circuits. You can learn more about Daniel by checking out his Linkedin profile and his personal page. Read More

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Assignment of Contract (What It Is And How It Works: Best Overview)

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Looking for Assignment of Contract ?

What is the assignment of a contract in simple terms?

How does it work?

In this article, I will break down the meaning of contract assignment so you know all there is to know about it!

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Let me explain to you what assignment of contract means and why it matters!

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Table of Contents

What Is Assignment of Contract

The assignment of contract refers to instances where one party to a contract transfers its rights and obligations to another party.

In other words, one contracting party exits the contract and another party steps in the exiting party’s shoes.

For instance, Mary and Joe are parties to a contract.

Joe assigns his rights and obligations under the contract to Tim.

The original contract now continues between Mary and Tim where Joe has stepped out.

The party assigning the contract is called the “assignor” and the third party stepping in to the assignor’s shoes is the “assignee”.

Be sure to keep reading as I will explain to you how the assignment works and it’s important that you know more about the assignor’s liability when assigning the contract.

Assignment Under Contract Law

Under contract law , the assignment of a contract is considered to include the assignment of rights and the delegation of the party’s duties to another.

This means that the assignor’s rights are passed on to the assignee.

In addition to that, the assignor’s duties under the contract are also assigned to the assignee.

Assignment Under Property Law

In property law, the assignment of contract generally takes place between landlords and tenants.

Typically, a person (the tenant) will sign a lease with another party (the landlord) to rent an apartment or premises.

If the tenant wishes to leave the premise without breaching the terms of the contract, an assignment may be an option.

In that case, the tenant will assign its rights and duties under the lease agreement to another party (a new tenant).

How Assignment of Contract Works

To better understand the assignment of contract, let’s look more closely at how it works.

Contract Assignment Clause

One of the first things you should consider when contemplating an assignment of a contract is to find the contract assignment clause in your contract.

In most commercial contracts, the parties will include an assignment clause governing the possible assignment by the parties.

Some contracts will authorize the assignment, others will limit assignment to specific situations, while some contracts entirely prohibit assignments.

Be sure to read the contract assignment to see how your contract regulates assignments.

Consent To Assignment of Contract

In most cases, a contracting party looking to assign the contract to another party will need to get the consent of the other contracting party.

If the staying party consents to the assignment, the assignor can proceed with the assignment of the agreement to a third party (or assignee).

However, if the staying party does not consent to the assignment, then the other party must remain in the contract and observe its contractual obligations.

Assignor’s Liability

Assigning a contract does not necessarily mean that the assignor will be released of all liability under the contract.

Depending on the assignment clause language, the assignor may have the right to assign the contract but continue to remain liable under the contract.

In the event the assignor may continue to remain liable under the contract, it’s important that an assignment agreement be signed where the staying party releases and discharges the assignor of future contract liability .

Assignment Enforceability

Under the assignment law, when a contract is assigned as per the terms of the contract, the assignment will be legally enforceable.

However, assignment contracts are not enforceable if the contract prohibits the assignment, the assignment agreement is not materially consistent with the obligations under the original contract, or the assignment violates public policy or the law in some way.

In addition, a contract cannot be assigned if the assignor is not formally in a contract.

There are also instances where the contract requires that a party with special skills or unique characteristics render the services or perform the obligations, and an assignment would not work.

Keep reading as I will now give you an example of contract assignment so you can see how it works in practice.

Contract Assignment Process

The actual contract assignment process is fairly straightforward for most contracts.

Contract Assignment Steps

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to assign a contract:

  • See if the contract has an assignment clause
  • Make sure that the assignment clause authorizes assignments 
  • If the assignment is authorized, follow the assignment logistic provided in the contract 
  • If the assignment is prohibited, you may want to speak to the other contracting party to see if you could get consent to assign the contract

In some cases, all you may need to do is to give notice of assignment to provide the details of the assignment if the contract allows for an assignment this way.

In other cases, you may want to have an assignment agreement signed by the staying party, the exiting party, and the third party detailing the terms and conditions of the assignment.

Assignment Agreement Content

When a contract assignment agreement is needed, you should make sure that you include all the right information for the assignment to be valid and enforceable.

In most cases, the assignment of the contract is simple where you may find an assignment of contract form online to complete.

For simple assignment contracts, here is the content that you should expect:

  • Identification of the parties (original contract parties and assignee)
  • Contract assignment effective date
  • Original contracting party’s consent to the assignment
  • Assignee’s acceptance of the assignment 
  • Assignor’s release and discharge of obligations going forward 
  • Governing law 
  • Signature block for the three parties 

Alternatives To Assignment Contracts

What are the alternatives to a contract assignment?

Here are the main alternatives to a contract assignment:

  • Novation 

Licensing refers to situations when a party authorizes another party to use a property or asset (whether tangible or intangible).

Delegation is when someone authorizes another to act on its behalf under a contract.

Novation is when a new party takes on a contracting party’s rights and obligations where the existing party’s rights are relinquished and all liability under the original contract wiped out.

Assignment of Contract vs Delegation of Contract

What is the difference between the assignment of a contract and the delegation of a contract?

The “assignment” of contract refers to a situation where one contracting party “transfers” the contract to a third party.

Once the assignment is completed, the assignor will no longer be in a contract with the other contracting party and the assignee will take the assignor’s place.

For example, Party A and Party B are part of a service contract.

Party B assigns the contract to Party C.

Going forward, the contract will be between Party A and Party C.

On the other hand, a delegation is when a party to a contract subcontracts parts of a contract to another party.

The party delegating the contract to another remains a contracting party and will remain responsible for the contract even though the obligations were delegated to another.

For example, a general contractor may delegate the plumbing work in a project to a plumber.

Although the general contractor has delegated part of the project to a subcontractor, it remains a contracting party and will remain responsible for the overall project.

Assignment of Contract Example

Let’s look at a few examples of when a contract may be assigned to another.

Assignment of Contract In Bankruptcy

You have entered into a contract with a company providing you with phone services.

The company goes bankrupt.

In the context of the bankruptcy, another phone company buys out a portion of the bankrupt’s book of business and your contract is in the pool of assets purchased.

The bankruptcy trustee assigns your contract from the bankrupt phone company to the new phone company.

Assignment of Contract In Real Estate

In real estate, some investors engage in assignment transactions where they do not actually buy the property but enter into a purchase contract that it then assigns to another.

In essence, the real estate investor enters into a real estate purchase agreement defining the terms and conditions relating to the purchase of a property.

Following the executing of the real estate purchase agreement and prior to the “closing” of the transaction, it assigns the contract to another party in an attempt to make a profit without ever actually owning the property.

Assignment of Contract In Corporate Restructuring

In the corporate world, companies tend to restructure their operations to ensure they are legally and operationally optimized.

In the context of a corporate restructuring transaction, a company may assign a contract to another entity within its group, a subsidiary, or an affiliate.

Assignment of Agreement Takeaways 

So there you have it folks!

What Does Assignment of Contract Mean

“Assignment of contract” is a legal term used to refer to situations where a party to an existing contract transfers its contractual obligations to another party.

Following the assignment , the assignee becomes responsible to execute the contractual obligations in favor of the party staying in the original contract.

If you are looking to assign a contract, you may want to consult with a qualified contract attorney who can assess your rights and obligations.

Keep in mind that a simple assignment of a contract does not necessarily mean that the assignor is released from liability under the original contract.

Now that you know what is an assignment of contract, how it works, and what it entails, good luck with your transaction!

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If you enjoyed this article on what is an assignment contract, I recommend you look into the following terms and concepts. Enjoy!

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Transocean Secures New Drilling Assignment in the Gulf of Mexico

In this article:.

Transocean Ltd.  RIG has secured a new assignment with the British oil major, BP plc BP, in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The company’s Deepwater Atlas ultra-deepwater drillship has been contracted for the assignment. The contract, valued at $232 million, has a duration of 365 days, with a 365-day option. Work related to the assignment is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028.

The Deepwater Atlas drillship is one of the two eighth-generation drillships to join Transocean’s fleet in 2022.  Notably, it is known to be one of the first drillships to be equipped with 20,000-psi well control capabilities, along with a hoisting capacity of 3.4 million pounds. Another eighth-generation drillship, Deepwater Titan, joined Transocean’s fleet the same year. With the help of these drillships, the Gulf of Mexico region is entering a new exploration phase under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

The seventh-generation drillships have a hoisting capacity of 2.5-2.8 million pounds, while the sixth-generation ones have a hoisting capacity of up to 2.0 million pounds. Seventh-generation drillships are limited to 15,000 psi well control systems.

The new eighth-generation drillships offer unique features with improved capabilities and cutting-edge tools that are well-suited for drilling wells in deepwater environments. These drillships, in particular, can operate at water depths of 12,000 feet and drill up to a depth of 40,000 feet.

Designed to improve sustainability, these drillships help optimize fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, they have a lower carbon footprint associated with their offshore operations.

The Deepwater Atlas drillship was built by Seatrium, erstwhile known as Sembcorp Marine. It was delivered to Transocean in June 2022. Before its delivery, Transocean secured a drilling assignment for the rig with Beacon Offshore in August 2021.

Zacks Rank and Key Picks

Currently, RIG carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while BP has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector are  PEDEVCO Corp. PED and  MPLX LP MPLX, presently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each. You can see  the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .

PEDEVCO is engaged in the acquisition and development of energy assets in the United States and Pacific Rim countries. The company stands to benefit significantly from its holdings in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States, as well as in the D-J Basin in Colorado, which includes more than 150 high-quality drilling locations. Combined with bullish oil prices, this is expected to boost PEDEVCO's production and overall profitability.

MPLX LP owns and operates a wide range of midstream assets. The partnership's midstream assets include oil and natural gas gathering systems and transportation pipelines for crude, natural gas and refined petroleum products. MPLX is least exposed to commodity price fluctuations as it generates stable fee-based revenues. Furthermore, it surpasses its industry peers in terms of distribution yield, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to its unitholders.

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Project Analyst, Good Governance for Gender Equality in Georgia (GG4GEG), Women’s Economic Empowerment, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

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Tbilisi, GEORGIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

28-Oct-2024

Application Deadline :

25-Sep-24 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of initial contract :.

12 months (with the possibility of extension)

Time left :

Languages required :.

English  

Expected Duration of Assignment :

28 Oct 2024 to 27 Oct 2025

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. UN Women in Georgia supports state and non-state partners towards the achievement of substantive gender equality in Georgia. In line with national and international commitments, UN Women works on the levels of policy and legislation, institutions and grassroots, in order to achieve transformative results for increased gender equality and greater protection of the rights of women and girls.

In July 2023 UN Women, with the generous support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a project “Good Governance for Gender Equality in Georgia” (GG4GEG) phase II. The impact-level goal of the project is to cover work under women's economic empowerment portfolio with the key emphasis on working with gender responsive private sector and supporting women's increased participation in agritourism and ICT fields.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative and with the direct supervision of UN Women Programme Analyst, the Project Analyst will support the office in planning, implementing, and managing UN Women interventions under the above-mentioned project. The Project Analyst will work in close collaboration with the programme, operations and communications team in Georgia, Responsible Parties, service providers, UN Women consultants, Government officials, private sector representatives and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring successful UN Women programme implementation and achievement of planned results.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Analyst will carry out the following functions under the direct supervision of WEE Programme Analyst:

  • Ensure that progress is made in achieving WEE goals and objectives in line with the project document; work towards timely implementation of the detailed annual work plan together with project partners, consultants and beneficiaries;
  • Work towards safeguarding, monitoring and facilitating quality assurance of all the WEE activities as spelled out in the project document;
  • Monitor progress of implementation of activities and finances;
  • Organize and attend field missions and draft reports on monitoring missions;
  • Provide inputs to the quarterly and annual UN Women reporting system (RMS), and contribute to the preparation of donor reports or presentations;
  • Contribute to the selection of international and national consultants/companies and preparation of procurements and contracting packages in line with the work plans and UN Women rules and guidelines;
  • Supervise national and international consultants and service providers working in the frameworks of the WEE project;
  • Ensure adherence to project objectives, rules, regulations, processes and procedures in the planning and implementation of project activities;
  • Prepare relevant documentation such as project summaries, conference papers, speeches, donor profiles, and participate in donor meetings and public information events;
  • Plan and contribute to the implementation of communications components of the WEE project, including through producing social media posts, website articles and other relevant materials on the project achievements and activities;
  • Coordinate and maintain relationships with national partners to support implementation of programmatic interventions in the area of women’s economic empowerment;
  • Review, and as relevant, coordinate the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports;
  • Draft and coordinate the call/request for proposals, including the organization of technical review committees, and capacity assessment of partners;
  • Identify capacity development needs of stakeholders;
  • Provide partners with technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives, as needed;
  • Identify needs of women entrepreneurs and facilitate elaboration of tailored programmes, including, capacity building, access to finances and markets and networking opportunities
  • Identify needs of rural and other disadvantaged women and facilitate elaboration of tailored programmes aimed at their economic empowerment;
  • Engage with public agencies, development partners and private sector to create policies, programmes and platforms contributing to women’s economic empowerment, including access to market and finances;
  • Facilitate the development of initiatives designated to enhance women’s participation in technologies; 
  • Coordinate and organize events, trainings, workshops and knowledge products;
  • Contribute to the development of knowledge management strategies, methodologies, and products on WEE;
  • Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned that are directly linked to the implementation of the WEE project and contribute to their dissemination;
  • Provide substantive inputs to resource mobilization strategies, analyzing and maintaining relevant information;
  • Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost sharing;
  • Ensure proper maintenance of the documentation and filing system; and perform other relevant duties as required
  • Perform any other relevant tasks as requested by UN Women.

Competencies

Corporate :

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN Women
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Is familiar with UN system

Technical/Functional:

  • Proficiency in IT skills demonstrated
  • Proficiency in English and Georgian demonstrated
  • Sound knowledge of gender equality and WEE issues
  • Proficiency in academic writing and reporting demonstrated
  • Knowledge and understanding of UN WOMEN administrative procedures and functions will be an asset
  • Familiarity with results-based management and human rights-based programming will be an asset

Behavioral :

  • Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills
  • Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment demonstrated
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Ability to approach work with energy, commitment and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Resourceful in finding solutions

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Background: 

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in gender/women's studies, international development, human rights, economics, law or a related field
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.
  • A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage

Relevant work experience:

  • Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in development programme/project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting and capacity building
  • Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years with Bachelor’s degree) of work experience in the area of gender equality and women’s empowerment Experience working on women’s economic empowerment
  • Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors is an asset
  • Fluency in written and spoken Georgian and English

Management arrangements:

The contractor will report to and work under direct supervision of the WEE Programme Analyst and overall guidance of UN Women Georgia Deputy Country Representative.

Application package for the position of Project Analyst  for  on SB 4 -Min  level should consist of:

  • Duly filled in Personal History Form PHF11 that can be downloaded from  https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process ;
  • Motivation letter.

How to Submit the Application:

  • Download and complete the UN Women Personal History Form (P11) -  https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process
  • Merge your UN Women Personal History Form (P11), CV and Motivation Letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
  • Click 'Apply Now' button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click 'Submit Application’;
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.
  • UN Women retains the right to contact references directly. Due to the large numbers of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided   on the basis of   qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.  

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.  

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.  All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

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Craig Kimbrel designated for assignment by Orioles after forgettable second half

Kimbrel is currently fifth all time with 440 career saves.

The Baltimore Orioles are moving on from Craig Kimbrel after designating the reliever for assignment on Wednesday.

Kimbrel's final appearance came Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants , and he allowed a career-high six earned runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning during a 10-0 defeat .

The Orioles recalled right-handed reliever Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to take Kimbrel's place.

The Orioles signed the 36-year-old Kimbrel to a one-year, $13 million deal in December with eyes on him filling the closer's role with Félix Bautista out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Kimbrel had a strong first half, recording 23 saves in 39 appearances and allowing only 11 earned runs over 35 1/3 innings. He also notched 53 strikeouts, posted a 0.96 WHIP and held opposing teams to a .150 batting average.

But since July 7, the date of his last save with the Orioles, it was a disaster for Kimbrel, as he allowed runs in 11 of his final 19 appearances with Baltimore while giving up 24 hits and issuing 17 walks.

This is Kimbrel's 15th MLB season, and the Orioles were his eighth team. The nine-time All-Star came up with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, won National League Rookie of the Year in 2011 and served as the team's lights-out closer for five seasons.

Kimbrel is currently fifth all time in saves with 440. He's six behind Kenley Jansen of the Boston Red Sox and 38 behind Hall of Famer Lee Smith.

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Orioles designate craig kimbrel for assignment after disastrous second half.

The Orioles cut bait with their ex-closer on Wednesday. 

Baltimore designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment with just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. 

Kimbrel has posted a 5.33 ERA and has blown six saves this season, his 15th year in the big leagues.

The hard-throwing right-hander has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, sporting a whopping 10.59 ERA in 18 appearances during the second half. 

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) walks off the field after being removed during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants  at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

On Tuesday night, Kimbrel had the worst outing of his career, allowing a career-high six earned runs against the Giants. 

The nine-time All-Star opened the season as the Orioles’ closer, replacing Felix Bautista, who underwent elbow surgery in February.

Although he briefly lost his closer role in May, Kimbrel was mostly solid during the first half, posting a 2.80 ERA and saving 23 games for Baltimore. 

But by early August, the team had replaced him as its closer with Seranthony Domínguez, and Kimbrel has made just 13 appearances since then. 

He signed a one-year, $12 million deal that included a club option for 2025 with the Orioles last offseason. 

The Orioles, who trail the Yankees by four games in the American League East, will now turn to other options in relief as they look to improve on their 4.17 bullpen ERA, which is 10th-worst in the majors. 

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in Baltimore.

Kimbrel, 36, is one of the top closers of all time, saving 440 games throughout his career, which is fifth-most in MLB history. 

He has received Cy Young votes in five different seasons and won the 2011 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Braves. 

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Erratic closer craig kimbrel loses roster spot with baltimore orioles.

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A rough second half has cost closer Craig Kimbrel his spot with the Baltimore Orioles. (Photo by ... [+] Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Orioles finally had enough of Craig Kimbrel.

The 36-year-old closer, finishing up a one-year, $13 million contract, was designated for assignment Wednesday after a horrendous second half.

Even before he yielded six runs to San Francisco Tuesday, Kimbrel was on thin ice.

He had lost his job as a closer and posted brutal statistics after July 14.

Bastille Day struck the hard-throwing right-hander especially hard.

Since that time, he allowed five home runs in 18 innings, giving up 25 runs (23 earned) and 23 hits plus 17 walks.

Originally signed by Baltimore after incumbent closer Felix Bautista went down with Tommy John elbow surgery last fall, Kimbrel started well, with a 2.10 earned run average and a solid strikeout rate.

After converting 23 of his first 28 save chances, however, Kimbrel hit hard times, posting a 10.59 ERA in 18 second-half outings before losing his job as closer.

Signing Kimbrel in the first place almost seemed like a move made out of desperation; he pitched poorly for Philadelphia in the playoffs last October and the Phillies were not inclined to keep him.

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On the other hand, the 6-0, 215-pound native of Huntsville, AL still has statistics that could send him to Cooperstown: a 2.59 career ERA and 14.1 strikeouts per nine innings over 15 seasons, divided among eight different teams.

Craig Kimbrel's trademark pose has accompanied him to eight teams and both leagues. (Photo by Norm ... [+] Hall/Getty Images)

The one-time National League Rookie of the Year led the Senior Circuit in saves for four straight seasons, 2011-14, and made the All-Star team nine times.

Kimbrel ranks fifth with 440 saves and is only six behind fellow closer Kenley Jansen for fourth on the lifetime list. Either pitcher could catch Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third all-time at 478 but climbing beyond 600 alongside Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman isn’t likely.

Known for peering into his catcher with his arms arched like a human DeLorean, the bearded pitcher had been hampered by bouts of wildness. That uncertainty, plus a calendar that shows him approaching his 37th birthday next May, could hamper Kimbrel’s ability to win a new deal.

Any club that claims him off waivers would have to pay a pro-rated portion of his contract. If he’s released, however, any signing club would only have to pay a pro-rated portion of the major-league minimum while the Orioles pay what’s left of his remaining guaranteed contract, which contains a $1 million buyout.

Bryan Baker was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk to take Kimbrel’s roster spot, though trade acquisition Seranthony Dominguez had already claimed his job.

Cutting him with less than two weeks remaining on the schedule reportedly did not sit well with starter Corbin Burnes, a prospective free agent who called Kimbrel a clubhouse leader. Baltimore hopes to re-sign Burnes, who arrived from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade last winter.

Kimbrel leaves Baltimore with a 7-5 record and 5.33 ERA. His second-half stumbles were one of the big reasons the Orioles blew a first-half lead in the American League East and fell to four-and-a-half games behind the New York Yankees on Wednesday.

He would not qualify for the playoffs if he’s signed by a team that reaches post-season play.

Dan Schlossberg

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Orioles designate reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment

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BALTIMORE -- Craig Kimbrel 's time with the Orioles is over.

The Orioles designated their former closer for assignment Wednesday following the latest in a series of rough outings.

Kimbrel gave up six runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning of relief in Baltimore's 10-0 home loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. Kimbrel has a 13.94 ERA in his last 11 appearances over the past month.

A nine-time All-Star, Kimbrel has pitched in 837 games and amassed a whopping 440 saves. But this season, his first with Baltimore, the right-hander has a 5.33 ERA with six blown saves.

The last of his 23 saves with the Orioles came on July 7. Not long after that, following several poor performances, Kimbrel desperately tried to regain the form that enabled him to pitch in the back end of the bullpen since breaking into the big leagues in 2010 with Atlanta .

It never happened.

"Tough day," manager Brandon Hyde said. "We have so much respect for Craig and his career. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who's done a lot."

The Orioles have lost nine of 12 games to fall 4.5 games back of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. In a corresponding roster move, they recalled right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias signed Kimbrel to a $13 million contract in December to fill the void left by Felix Bautista , who had 48 saves last year before going on the disabled list with an elbow injury. Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery, which kept him sidelined for the entire 2024 season.

Kimbrel's 23 saves before the All-Star Game helped the defending AL East champions hit the break atop the division.

"Heck of a first half for us. Helped us win a ton of games," Hyde said.

Kimbrel's decline began with a blown save on July 14 against the Yankees. He got the win in that game despite allowing three runs in the ninth inning.

"The game here against New York, that was a struggle, and he never got rolling after that," Hyde said.

Kimbrel blew a save on July 25 in Miami and took a loss the following day against San Diego . At that point, Hyde began using Kimbrel in no-pressure situations in the hope that the 36-year-old would regain the form that landed him in fifth place on the career saves list.

"I tried to give him low-leverage spots, and it seemed like when there were runners on base he had a tough time not allowing that run to score," Hyde said.

Hyde knew of Kimbrel's sensational past, but there were only a few glimpses of that pitcher recently.

"He's a Hall of Famer to me," Hyde said. "Craig has done some amazing things in his career. To be able to pitch in the innings he's pitched, for that long with that type of pressure, there are only a handful of guys who have been able to do that."

Seranthony Dominguez , acquired in a July trade with the Phillies , has taken over the closer's role for Baltimore.

"When we got him in the trade, it wasn't like the next day we were saying Seranthony is going to be the closer now," Hyde said. "It was more of need at that point because Craig was struggling a little bit."

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    The assignment and assumption agreement. An assignment and assumption agreement is used after a contract is signed, in order to transfer one of the contracting party's rights and obligations to a third party who was not originally a party to the contract. The party making the assignment is called the assignor, while the third party accepting ...

  6. Assignment Agreement: What You Need to Know

    Assignment Agreement. An assignment agreement is a contract that authorizes a person to transfer their rights, obligations, or interests in a contract or property to another person. It serves as a means for the assignor to delegate duties and advantages to a third party while the assignee assumes those privileges and obligations.

  7. Assignability Of Contracts: Everything You Need to Know

    As long as you're free to assign the contract, prepare and enter into the assignment, which is basically an agreement transferring your rights and obligations. Notify the obligor, or the non-transferring party. After you assign contract rights to the assignee, notify the other party that was the original contractor, also known as the obligor.

  8. Assignment Of Contracts: Everything You Need to Know

    Assignment of contracts is the legal transfer of the obligations and benefits of a contract from one party, called the assignor, to another, called the assignee. The assignor must properly notify the assignee so that he or she can take over the contractual rights and obligations. This can be done using a document called an assignment agreement ...

  9. Free Assignment Agreement Template & FAQs

    An Assignment Agreement can help you hand over contractual rights or responsibilities, while helping to protect your own legal rights and obligations. An Assignment Agreement, sometimes called a Contract Assignment, allows you to assign your contractual rights and responsibilities to another party. For example, if you're a contractor who needs ...

  10. Contract Assignment Agreement

    4.8 - 105 votes. Download a basic template (FREE) Create a customized document. This Contract Assignment Agreement document is used to transfer rights and responsibilities under an original contract from one Party, known as the Assignor, to another, known as the Assignee. The Assignor who was a Party to the original contract can use this ...

  11. How to Draft an Assignment of Contract: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

    Format your document. Open a blank word processing document. Set the font to a readable size and style. For example, Times New Roman 12 point works for many people, though you can choose something different if you want. 2. Insert a title. At the top of the page, insert "Assignment Agreement.".

  12. Contract Assignment Agreement

    In a contract assignment, one of the two parties may transfer their right to the other's performance to a third party. This is known as "contract assignment.". Typically, all rights under a contract may be assigned. A provision in the agreement that states the contract may not be assigned usually refers to the delegation of the assignor ...

  13. Assignments: The Basic Law

    Ordinarily, the term assignment is limited to the transfer of rights that are intangible, like contractual rights and rights connected with property. Merchants Service Co. v. Small Claims Court, 35 Cal. 2d 109, 113-114 (Cal. 1950). An assignment will generally be permitted under the law unless there is an express prohibition against assignment ...

  14. The Process of Assigning a Contract

    The best approach when you're assigning a contract is to make a written assignment agreement with the assignee. A lawyer can help you draft an agreement tailored to your circumstances, with language that clearly spells out your rights and obligations and the rights and obligations of the assignee. That way, you are less likely to be left ...

  15. Free Assignment Agreement Template

    What to Include in an Assignment Agreement. Create a thorough assignment agreement by including the following information: Effective Date: The document must indicate when the transfer of rights and obligations occurs. Parties: Include the full name and address of the assignor, assignee, and obligor (if required). Assignment: Provide details that identify the original contract being assigned.

  16. Assignment provisions in contracts

    When a party to a contract " assigns " the contract to someone else, it means that party, known as the assignor, has transferred its rights under the contract to someone else, known as the assignee, and also has delegated its obligations to the assignee. Under U.S. law, most contract rights are freely assignable, and most contract duties ...

  17. Assignment or Novation: Key Differences and Legal Implications

    Assignment. Transfer of rights or obligations. Transfers both the benefit and the burden of a contract to a third party. Transfers only the benefit of a contract, not the burden. Consent Required. Novation requires the consent of all parties (original parties and incoming party).

  18. Contract Assignment Agreement: Definition & Sample

    A contract assignment agreement is a document that transfers the contractual rights and duties of one party to another. The other party involved in the contract must agree to the terms of the transfer as well as they will now be in a contractual agreement with a different party. Contract of assignment agreements must not violate any other laws ...

  19. Contract Assignments

    In a contract assignment, one of the two parties to a contract may transfer their right to the other's performance to a third party. This is known as "contract assignment.". Generally, all rights under a contract may be assigned. A provision in the contract that states the contract may not be assigned usually refers to the delegation of ...

  20. Assigning a contract

    A Letter of assignment can be used to affect the assignment and is signed by the outgoing party and the incoming party. It contains special provisions to transfer all of the rights and benefits under the contract to the incoming party. However, in practice, the assignor will usually subcontract, or delegate, their obligations under the contract ...

  21. Assignment of Contract (What It Is And How It Works: Best Overview)

    The "assignment" of contract refers to a situation where one contracting party "transfers" the contract to a third party. Once the assignment is completed, the assignor will no longer be in a contract with the other contracting party and the assignee will take the assignor's place. For example, Party A and Party B are part of a ...

  22. Legal briefing

    Table 1: Differences between novation and assignment. Novation. A novation is the mechanism by which a contract is terminated and a new contract is made between different or additional parties. 2 The new contract is generally on the same terms as the original contract. A novation has the effect of substituting one party for another party without necessarily changing the rights and obligations ...

  23. Transocean Secures New Drilling Assignment in the Gulf of Mexico

    The contract, valued at $232 million, has a duration of 365 days, with a 365-day option. Work related to the assignment is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028.

  24. UN WOMEN Jobs

    Type of Contract : Service Contract. ... 28-Oct-2024. Application Deadline : 25-Sep-24 (Midnight New York, USA) Post Level : SB-4. Duration of Initial Contract : 12 months (with the possibility of extension) Time left : 6d 11h 26m. Languages Required : English . Expected Duration of Assignment : 28 Oct 2024 to 27 Oct 2025.

  25. Craig Kimbrel designated for assignment by Orioles after forgettable

    The Baltimore Orioles are moving on from Craig Kimbrel after designating the reliever for assignment on Wednesday.. Kimbrel's final appearance came Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants, and he ...

  26. How Is a Contract Assigned?

    Fact-Checked. You'll need to follow three basic steps to assign a contract. Step 1: Examine the contract for any limitations or prohibitions. Check for anti-assignment clauses. Sometimes the prohibition is not a separate clause but is included in another provision. Look for language that states, "This agreement may not be assigned."

  27. Orioles designate Craig Kimbrel for assignment after ...

    Baltimore designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment with just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kimbrel has posted a 5.33 ERA and has blown six saves ...

  28. Erratic Closer Craig Kimbrel Loses Roster Spot With Baltimore ...

    The Baltimore Orioles finally had enough of Craig Kimbrel. The 36-year-old closer, finishing up a one-year, $13 million contract, was designated for assignment Wednesday after a horrendous second ...

  29. Orioles designate reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment

    Orioles general manager Mike Elias signed Kimbrel to a $13 million contract in December to fill the void left by Felix Bautista, who had 48 saves last year before going on the disabled list with ...