Opinion ID: 207814
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Contract Interpretation Under New York Law

Text: Under New York law, [c]onstruction of an unambiguous contract is a matter of law, and the intention of the parties may be gathered from the four corners of the instrument and should be enforced according to its terms. Beal Sav. Bank v. Sommer, 8 N.Y.3d 318, 324, 834 N.Y.S.2d 44, 47-48, 865 N.E.2d 1210, 1213-14 (2007). New York courts construe contracts so as to give full meaning and effect to the material provisions, mindful that a proper reading of the contract should not render any portion meaningless. Id. Further, a contract should be `read as a whole, and every part will be interpreted with reference to the whole; and if possible it will be so interpreted as to give effect to its general purpose.' Id. (quoting Westmoreland Coal Co. v. Entech, Inc., 100 N.Y.2d 352, 358, 763 N.Y.S.2d 525, 794 N.E.2d 667, 670 (2003)). With this guidance in mind, we consider the plain language of the Agreement.