Legal Question in Business Law in Maryland

Re: Signatures on contracts

A corporation's bylaws determine who has authority to act on behalf of the corporation. Traditionally, contracts are signed by the president and secretary, if there are people holding those titles. But a corporation can exist with one person, so that person would be the only one signing legal documents.

Re: Signatures on contracts

There is no requirement that employment contracts be signed at all, unless it is for a duration in excess of a year and could not under any circumstances be fully performed in a year. If signed by a corporation, it needs to be signed by those officers specified in the bylaws or by other person(s) with delegated authority; there is no fixed number.

Re: Signatures on contracts

The employee might also have to sign. Your question seems very narrowly drawn, as though you are seeking a particular answer, rather than an accurate one. If you desire an accurate answer, you should fully set out the set of facts and the controversy at hand.

(301)459-0400

Re: Signatures on contracts

Generally speaking, and employment contract for less than one year requires no writing at all -- it can (and usually is) simply an oral agreement. It sounds as if you have a situation in which there IS a written contract and you are trying to determine which signatures (or how many) are required from corporate officers in order to bind the contract. As a general rule, one signature (if by the proper person) can bind the corporation to an employment contract.

If you would like to discuss the particular facts of your own matter, please feel free to contact me at the number and address below.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.