About First Rule
First Rule (formerly WagonheimU) is a top-rated, nationally recognized commercial and construction training company. Our focus on communication helps you formulate great strategy as well as create, negotiate, and sign better contracts for exceptional results.
We do this by providing top-rated courses, workshops and templates that are easy to understand, so you can have the knowledge and skills you need to protect what’s yours, avoid legal risk and get paid.
Need help with your contracts? Our contract training courses and templates will help you:
- Create and sign better contracts
- Reach better agreements
- Protect yourself and protect your company (from company-killing mistakes)
- Spot risks, avoid problems, and negotiate better agreements
- Negotiate contracts better than 99% of people in your industry
- Build and strengthen relationships
Founded by Eliot Wagonheim, one of the nation’s leading construction attorneys as recognized by SuperLawyers® and nationally recognized educator with hundreds of 5-star reviews from teaching to audiences in 100+ countries, First Rule was created from Eliot’s countless experiences with clients determined to sign what’s fair, protect what’s theirs, and earn a just profit.
Trusted Training and Education Provider for
Previous image
Next image
About Eliot
Over the years, I’ve honed my craft not only as a lawyer and litigator but as a teacher, writer, speaker, and facilitator. I work with individuals and organizations in three ways: through my law practice (Wagonheim Law), teaching online through webinars, workshops, and courses, and speaking engagements. As a teacher and guide, I help people like you avoid deadly contract traps, spot opportunities, and protect hard-earned profits, so you can focus on what you do best.
- Named a Maryland Super Lawyer for 10+ years running
- Named one of Smart CEO’s Legal Elite as a “go-to” business lawyer
- Over 1,000 of 5-star reviews from teaching to audiences in 100+ countries
- Author of The Art of Getting Paid
- Taught business law at the college and graduate (MBA) level
testimonials
“The Construction Executive webinars we did with Eliot had among the highest registration attendance and engagement rates of all the webinars we've done in over 6 years. He's a fantastic speaker and the feedback we received from our attendees was overwhelmingly positive. We'd host Eliot every week if we could."
Mike Ruth,Webinar Coordinator for Construction Executive, MagazineXperts 
“Make sure all your key staff members, from estimating, to project managers to your people who manage contracts and compliance, and even your person who’s doing A/R attend this course because you break down the real life lessons and the learning of both the basics and the things that we can miss in way that everyone needs to hear.”
Arti O’BrienPresident, Advanced Government Services 
“The way the class is structured has allowed me to take small chunks of information as I am able. The instruction is engaging and has made me appreciate the value of a good contract more than ever.”
Caleb ArmbrustDirector of Membership at National Fire Sprinkler Association 
“ABC members have benefited immensely from the trainings provided by Eliot Wagonheim. Eliot’s online learning platform and extensive industry knowledge allows companies to master contract review and negotiation skills in-house so that even those companies who do not have or cannot afford to keep a lawyer on retainer can avoid critical mistakes.”
Brittany ChaapelDirector of Programs, ABC Baltimore 
Previous
Next