circumvent
Definition
To circumvent something means to find a clever way around a rule, law, or restriction without technically breaking it. Courts and regulators take a dim view of this because the intention is still to defeat the purpose of the rule, even if the method looks legal on the surface.
Example
If a contract says you cannot hire a competitor's employees directly, and you hire a staffing agency to do it for you, a court might rule that you circumvented the agreement.
Watch Out
Just because something feels like a loophole does not mean a judge will see it that way, so always ask a lawyer before getting creative with contract terms or regulations.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.