Contract Reviewswith expert lawyers

A Contract Review is when a legal expert examines the terms and conditions of an agreement before it is signed. The aim is to make sure the contract is clear, accurate, and in your best interests.

This can include checking whether the terms are fair, whether they align with your business goals, and whether there are any hidden risks or unfavourable clauses. A lawyer may review things like payment terms, responsibilities, liabilities, dispute resolution processes, and other legal implications.

Once the review is complete, you’ll be in a better position to decide whether to proceed with the agreement as it is or negotiate further. Having a contract reviewed before signing can help prevent misunderstandings, avoid legal issues, and protect your business in the long term.

It’s important to have a lawyer review any legally binding contract, especially one that could significantly affect your business. Common examples include:

• employment agreements, to check terms around pay, responsibilities, and termination
• partnership agreements, to set out roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements
• service agreements, to review payment terms, deliverables, and dispute resolution clauses
• commercial leases, to assess terms relating to rent, maintenance, and occupancy obligations
• non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), to help protect confidential information and intellectual property
• supplier or distribution agreements, to clarify delivery, pricing, and each party’s responsibilities
• licensing agreements, to review terms for the use of intellectual property or products

Having these contracts reviewed can help you manage risk and make sure the agreement protects your business’s interests.

When reviewing a contract, some common red flags to look out for include:

• vague or unclear terms, which can lead to misunderstandings and disputes about each party’s obligations
• unilateral clauses that mainly benefit one party, such as allowing one side to make changes without agreement
• excessive penalties for breaches that seem disproportionate to the breach itself
• automatic renewal clauses that may lock you into ongoing commitments without a clear chance to renegotiate
• non-compete clauses that may restrict your future business activities, especially if the scope is broad
• no clear dispute resolution process, which can lead to lengthy and expensive disputes later

Identifying these issues early, with the help of a lawyer, can help your business avoid legal and financial problems.

A contract is a legally binding document that sets out the key terms of an agreement, so it’s important to make sure it is drafted properly. Having a lawyer review your contract can help identify legal issues that may not be obvious and make sure the contract protects your business’s interests.

A lawyer can:

• spot potential risks by identifying clauses that may create problems or lead to disputes
• check compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• assess whether the terms are fair and balanced
• advise whether the contract suits your business goals and suggest changes where needed

Having a legal professional review your contract can help you avoid potential issues and make sure the agreement supports your business in the long term.

Signing a contract without legal review can expose your business to significant risks, including:

• Hidden or unclear terms: the contract may include obligations that are not obvious or are difficult to understand.
• Unfavourable clauses: some contracts contain one-sided terms, such as excessive penalties or clauses that heavily favour the other party.
• Vague responsibilities: if roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined, disputes can arise later about who is responsible for what.
• Dispute resolution issues: the contract may include dispute resolution processes that do not suit your interests.
• Unenforceable or non-compliant terms: legal review can help identify clauses that may not comply with relevant laws or may be unenforceable.

Without legal review, you may agree to terms that could harm your business, lead to costly disputes, or put you at a legal disadvantage.

Our fixed-fee Contract Review packages start at $900 + GST. We’ll review a contract you provide and highlight the main issues and risks. This package includes a review by a Sprintlaw lawyer and a complimentary phone consultation to walk you through the advice. If you wish, our lawyers can also provide a list of requested changes in a format you can easily send to the other party.