Legal preparation guide
What to review before signing a commercial agreement
Use this general preparation guide to organize questions for counsel. It is not a substitute for legal advice about a specific matter or jurisdiction.
Preparation points to discuss with counsel
A useful first conversation starts with the objective, the people involved, the general timeline, and a list of relevant documents. Keep confidential and sensitive details out of public or unconfirmed intake channels.
Discussion checklist
Use these points to prepare questions for counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Identify the relationship and business objective before focusing on clauses.
- Confirm payment, performance, delivery, and acceptance responsibilities.
- Review ownership, confidentiality, data, and intellectual-property terms.
- Understand termination rights, remedies, renewal, and dispute provisions.
- Ask counsel how the agreement interacts with other contracts or policies.