Most disputes we're asked to resolve started with a contract that was never properly reviewed. Someone signed a lease, a supply agreement, or an employment contract because it "looked standard," and by the time a problem shows up, the clause that would have protected them is either missing or written in the other party's favour.
What a contract review actually checks
A proper review isn't just reading the document — it's checking for the things a non-lawyer typically misses:
- Whether the obligations described match what was actually agreed verbally
- Termination clauses — who can end the agreement, and under what conditions
- Penalty and indemnity clauses that could expose you to costs beyond the contract value
- Dispute resolution clauses — whether disagreements go to arbitration, mediation, or court, and where
- Whether the other party is legally who they claim to be (a registered company, a verified landlord, etc.)
A review before signing typically costs a fraction of what it costs to unwind a bad contract afterward.
When it matters most
Contract review is especially worth doing for property leases, supplier and vendor agreements, employment contracts for key staff, partnership and shareholder agreements, and any contract involving payment in instalments or performance milestones. These are the categories where vague wording causes the most expensive disputes.
What to do before you sign anything
If a contract is already drafted and ready for signature, send it for review before you sign — not after a disagreement starts. A short conversation with a lawyer at that stage is far cheaper, in time and money, than dispute resolution later.
Get a contract reviewed