Contract Reviews
Reviewing commercial contracts before signing, flagging risk allocation issues, unfair terms and points that should be negotiated.
Before You Sign a Commercial Contract
A contract review is the one chance to change the deal before it is locked in. We focus on the provisions that actually move risk and money, and give you a clear written summary of what the contract really says and what is worth negotiating.
What We Examine During a Contract Review
We work through the contract clause by clause, looking beyond the headline terms to how the document would actually operate if the relationship went smoothly or if it did not.
Key Commercial and Legal Risks
We identify the provisions that carry real financial or legal exposure, payment terms, liability, indemnities, intellectual property and termination, and explain what each one means in practical terms.
How a Review Is Carried Out
Payment, Renewal and Termination
These clauses often determine how the arrangement plays out over its life. We check whether renewal is automatic, how much notice termination requires and whether the payment terms match what was actually agreed.
Liability and Personal Exposure
We look closely at liability caps, indemnities and any personal guarantee provisions, since these can expose you or your business well beyond the value of the contract itself.
Unfair or One-Sided Terms
Where the contract is a standard form document, we consider whether any terms may be unfair under the Australian Consumer Law and flag provisions unreasonably weighted towards the other party.
Negotiating the Changes
Where changes are needed, we prepare mark-ups or talking points and, where you want us to, negotiate directly with the other side or their lawyers, then give you a plain-English recommendation.
How Shah & Co Lawyers can assist
A review is only useful if it tells you what to do next, so every report ends with a clear recommendation.
Written Review Reports
Clear reports setting out key issues and recommended changes.
Risk Allocation Analysis
Assessment of liability caps and indemnity provisions.
Negotiation of Amendments
Negotiating changes with the other side or their lawyers.
Unfair Terms Analysis
Reviewing standard form agreements against the Australian Consumer Law.
Comparing Proposals
Comparing competing supplier or customer contract proposals.
Fixed Fee Reviews
Fixed fee reviews for common contract types where appropriate.
What a review typically covers
- Payment terms, invoicing and interest on overdue amounts.
- Liability caps, indemnities and personal guarantees.
- Termination rights and notice periods.
- Intellectual property ownership and licensing.
- Whether unfair contract terms provisions may apply.
Frequently asked questions
General information only. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Other commercial law services
Business Purchases and Sales
Acting for buyers and sellers in the sale of goodwill, share sales, asset sales, due diligence, transition arrangements and restraints of trade.
Learn moreCommercial Contracts
Supply agreements, services agreements, distribution agreements, agency agreements, joint ventures and confidentiality agreements.
Learn moreContract Drafting
Drafting bespoke commercial agreements that reflect how the deal actually works and protect your position if things change.
Learn moreCommercial Disputes
Contractual disputes, breach of contract claims, misleading and deceptive conduct claims and Australian Consumer Law matters.
Learn moreShareholder Disputes
Oppression proceedings under section 232 of the Corporations Act, deadlocks, share buy-outs and exit arrangements.
Learn morePartnership Disputes
Partnership disputes, dissolution, accounting between partners and disputes over partnership property and goodwill.
Learn moreHave your contract reviewed before you sign.
Arrange a confidential consultation. Discreet, professional and tailored to your circumstances.