How to Review a Contract Before Signing
A practical checklist for reviewing contracts, identifying risks, and negotiating better terms.
Start With the Commercial Terms
Before diving into legal language, check the commercial basics. Look at pricing, payment schedules, renewal terms, and termination rights.
Confirm that the agreement actually reflects what was agreed in emails or discussions.
Check Termination Rights
Termination clauses determine how easily you can exit the contract.
Look for termination for convenience, termination for breach, and any notice periods.
Review Liability and Indemnity
Liability clauses determine how much financial risk each party carries.
A liability cap tied to the value of the contract is common and usually reasonable.
Look for Auto-Renewal Clauses
Many service contracts automatically renew unless cancelled within a specific notice window.
Missing the cancellation window can lock you into another full term.
Confirm Intellectual Property Ownership
Make sure it is clear who owns the work, data, or content created under the contract.
Ambiguity around IP ownership is a common source of disputes.
Want help reviewing the full contract?
Scan the full agreement to spot risks, missing protections, and negotiation points across the whole document.