Legal Definitions - N.B.

N.B. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase nota bene, which translates to "note well" or "take notice." It is used in documents to highlight information that is particularly important, critical, or requires special attention from the reader. Essentially, it's a signal to pause and pay close attention to the upcoming statement because it carries significant weight or consequence.

• Example 1: Rental Agreement Clause

  Imagine you are reviewing a new apartment lease. One section outlines the monthly rent and due date, followed by:

  "N.B.: Failure to submit rent payment by the 5th day of the month will automatically incur a late fee of $75, plus an additional $10 for each subsequent day the payment is delayed."

  Explanation: Here, "N.B." draws your immediate attention to the severe financial penalties for late rent. It signals that this specific detail about late fees is crucial and should not be overlooked, as it has direct financial implications for the tenant.

• Example 2: Government Application Instructions

  When filling out an application for a professional license from a government board, you might see instructions like this:

  "N.B.: All academic transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the licensing board. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be accepted."

  Explanation: This use of "N.B." emphasizes a critical procedural requirement. It alerts the applicant that deviating from this specific method of submission (sending transcripts themselves) will result in the application being rejected, saving them time and potential frustration.

• Example 3: Legal Opinion or Report Disclaimer

  A business might receive a legal opinion regarding the potential risks of a new product launch. The opinion concludes with a summary of findings, but includes a crucial caveat:

  "N.B.: This legal opinion is based solely on the information and documents provided by the client as of October 26, 2023. Any subsequent changes in facts, market conditions, or relevant legislation may alter the conclusions reached herein."

  Explanation: In this context, "N.B." highlights a significant limitation on the scope and applicability of the legal advice. It informs the reader that the opinion is a snapshot in time and relies on specific inputs, meaning its validity could change if underlying circumstances evolve, which is vital for the client to understand when relying on the advice.