Venable partner Jeff Tenenbaum was quoted in a January 27, 2012 article in The NonProfit Times on an Oklahoma jury’s verdict in favor of singer Garth Brooks. The jury awarded Brooks $1 million from his hometown hospital after it failed to follow through on its agreement to build a women’s health center in honor of Brooks’ late mother.

Commenting on verbal agreements for large donations, Tenenbaum said, “It’s highly advisable to codify any agreement in writing…This case is the perfect example of why verbal commitments do not work out.” When putting together agreements, Tenenbaum advised parties “To be clear on the dollar amount that will be paid, whether or not the contract is enforceable and provide contingencies if the original purpose of the contribution cannot be fulfilled.”