Check the deal summary before it shapes the full contract

Because preliminary does not always mean harmless. These documents often record price, scope, timing, exclusivity, confidentiality or key assumptions that later become the starting point for the full contract. In some cases, certain clauses may be intended to bind the parties even if the rest of the document is expressed more loosely. A review helps identify where the wording may be doing more legal work than expected, and where important protections or clarifications are missing before negotiations move further ahead.

We usually look at whether the document clearly reflects the proposed transaction and whether any terms are vague, inconsistent or potentially binding in a way that may surprise you later. Common review points include payment structure, milestones, exclusivity, confidentiality, termination concepts, liability wording, conditions to proceed, and whether the document says which clauses are intended to have legal effect. We also check for missing commercial detail that can create friction later, such as unclear deliverables, assumptions, timing triggers or side arrangements that have only been discussed informally.

The review depends on both the wording in the document and the deal context behind it. A short letter of offer for a simple supply arrangement may raise different issues from a heads of agreement used for a joint venture, acquisition, service rollout or strategic collaboration. It also matters whether the parties have exchanged side emails, term sheets or mark-ups, and whether the short-form document is meant to be a stepping stone to a detailed contract. Those details affect how the legal and commercial comments are framed.

Usually not for anything beyond a very simple arrangement. A template may help organise the main headings, but it often uses generic wording that does not reflect the actual commercial bargain. In short-form deal documents, small wording choices can affect whether a clause looks binding, whether a party has room to walk away, or whether later negotiations start from the wrong assumption. A legal review is useful when the document will be relied on in discussions with the other side and you want to know what it may really mean before it is signed.

After reviewing the document, we provide written recommendations and discuss the main issues with you in a lawyer consult. From there, the usual next step is either to revise the short-form document for further negotiation or to move into drafting the long-form contract with a clearer understanding of the agreed position. If the review shows that the document is missing important commercial points, you may also decide to pause signing until those points are added. Drafting the final agreement or negotiating directly with the other party can be quoted separately if needed.

As an online law firm, we eliminate the headaches of paying us by the hour and finding time to meet with a lawyer in person. We charge a fixed fee, with upfront quotes and transparent pricing, and communicate via phone, email and video chat - whichever suits you! You'll be guided through our process by our expert lawyers, who are Australian-qualified and specialise in technology, intellectual property, contract drafting, corporate and commercial law.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from $250 to $2,500 AUD depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Our law firm operates completely online, which means we can help you wherever you are in Australia. We work at The Commons Central - a cool co-working space in Chippendale, Sydney - but our lawyers often work flexibly across various locations.

Our lawyers also work from co-working spaces and home offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, so clients can get help online without needing to meet in person.