Contract lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What contract lawyer is

A contract lawyer provides information on drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements and may represent a party in a contract dispute. People look for one before signing a significant agreement, when terms need to be changed, or when the other side has not kept its promises.

Signs you need it

  • You were handed a long agreement and do not understand the terms
  • The other side wants you to sign quickly and will not explain the language
  • A contract you signed is not being followed by the other party
  • You need a written agreement for a deal that has only been verbal so far
  • You want to end or change an existing agreement
  • A demand letter has arrived claiming you broke a contract

What the pro does

  • Read the proposed or signed agreement and identify the parties, duties, deadlines and termination terms
  • Explain in plain words what each key section means
  • Draft new terms or propose changes to the other side
  • Negotiate language on issues such as payment timing, ownership of work and ending the contract
  • Prepare a demand letter or response when a promise has been broken
  • Represent you in mediation or court if the dispute continues

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the work is drafting, review or dispute resolution
  • Length and complexity of the agreement
  • The number of parties involved
  • How many rounds of negotiation are needed
  • Whether the contract involves several states or countries
  • Whether a deadline is close
  • Whether a dispute is already underway

What a written quote should spell out

  • Whether the work covers review, drafting, negotiation or all three
  • The billing method: flat fee for a defined task, hourly or retainer
  • Number of revision rounds
  • Turnaround time
  • Costs for third party filings or notary services

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you summarize the key risks in this agreement in plain words?
  • Which terms in this contract are normal in this field and which are unusual?
  • What happens if the other side does not perform?
  • Can you propose changes in writing that I can send back?
  • Do you have a form you adapt, or do you draft from scratch?
  • If we end up in a dispute, how do you explain the process?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who tells you to sign without explaining the terms
  • Promises that the other side will agree to your changes
  • No written fee agreement or scope
  • A lawyer who uses generic template language without asking about your deal

What you can do yourself

You can read the agreement carefully, list questions, highlight dates and payment terms, and write down what you and the other side verbally agreed. Do not sign if you do not understand a clause. Hire a licensed attorney for high value, long term or one sided agreements and any dispute.

Licenses and permits

Contract lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check their license with the state bar.

Contract lawyer questions

Is a verbal agreement a contract?

Sometimes, but it can be hard to prove. A licensed attorney can explain how your state treats it.

Can a lawyer change a contract I already signed?

Changes usually need the other side to agree. A lawyer can explain your options.

How long does a review take?

It depends on the length of the contract and how fast the other side responds. Ask the lawyer for an estimate.

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