Should I have a lawyer review a contract before I sign it?
I’ve been offered a commercial agreement that runs to about 20 pages. The other side says it’s their “standard form” and nobody changes it. Is a review worth paying for?
1 lawyer answer
For anything long-term, high-value, or hard to exit, a review is usually worth considering. “Standard form” does not mean non-negotiable — it often just means the document was written to favour the party who drafted it.
Clauses that commonly deserve a closer look include indemnities, limitation of liability, automatic renewal, termination rights, payment terms, intellectual property ownership, and which law and courts apply to disputes.
Many lawyers offer fixed-fee reviews. To keep costs down, tell them what matters most to you commercially and what you’re worried about, so they can focus on the provisions that actually carry risk.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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