Can emails be used as a binding contract?

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Can emails be used as a binding contract?

I negotiated a stipend for a job through email, now I’m being told they can’t pay.

Asked on July 21, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

The e-mail is a valid contract if it includes the essential terms required for a contract such as identification of the parties, subject matter of the contract, time for performance, and compensation.
A contract includes an offer and acceptance. The acceptance is effective upon dispatch by any reasonable mode of communication  which includes e-mail.
Therefore, you have an enforceable contract.


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