Publication date: 05.02.2026
My name is Irina Sidorova and I am a lawyer based in London. I have over 18 years of experience in law and prior to moving to the UK I specialized in litigation, corporate support, contract analysis and drafting, and commercial legal support. My expertise includes a detailed analysis of legislative changes and their effective application to protect clients' interests. Thanks to my strategic approach, knowledge of the law and practical experience, I help to avoid legal risks and achieve stability in legal matters.
The process of legal review for contracts in businesses has its own specifics, depending on the type of contract, the subject matter of the agreement, and the risks associated with legal obligations. Not all contracts require mandatory involvement of a lawyer; however, any contracts that include financial, corporate, or international obligations require a detailed legal review. Even standard contracts may contain hidden risks that could lead to disputes or financial losses for the business.
Question
How is a legal review of a contract conducted?
Answer
A legal review involves a comprehensive evaluation of the document to ensure compliance with the law, protection of the parties’ interests, and minimization of risks. The lawyer checks:
- the presence of all necessary details and signatures;
- correctness of wording regarding the parties’ duties and responsibilities;
- compliance of contract terms with civil and contract law;
- provisions regarding deadlines, termination, penalties, and compensation;
- procedures for resolving disputes, jurisdiction, and applicable law;
- inclusion of clauses on confidentiality.
Process of legal review for business:
- Contract and business model analysis: studying the goals of the agreement, potential risks, and stakeholders.
- Contract terms review: evaluating contract terms on liability, penalties, deadlines, termination, and dispute resolution procedures.
- Risk analysis: identifying possible legal conflicts or non-compliance with legislation.
- Legal recommendations development: suggesting amendments and proposals to protect business interests, including clauses on confidentiality.
- Final legal assessment: approving the contracts for signing and ensuring compliance with legislation.
Documents to have on hand
For an effective legal review, it is important to provide:
- the draft contract or the executed document;
- all accompanying attachments and specifications;
- information about the parties and their rights and obligations;
- corporate documents confirming the authority of signatories.
If the business plans international contracts, the lawyer additionally verifies compliance of the contract terms with foreign law, taxation rules, and customs regulations.
Question
What should be done if risks are identified in a contract?
Answer
If risks are identified during the legal review, the business has the right to:
- request amendments to the contract;
- negotiate contract terms regarding liability and penalties;
- add clauses on confidentiality, force majeure, and data protection;
- in case of significant violations — refuse to sign the contract until deficiencies are resolved.
Timely identification of risks helps avoid disputes, financial losses, and protects the business’s rights.
Important to know
Legal review of contracts is a key tool for protecting a business. Standard templates without legal review may not account for the specifics of the agreement or changes in legislation. For international contracts, it is important to review jurisdiction, applicable law, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Regular legal review and updates of contracts in accordance with current legislation help businesses ensure stability, predictability, and minimize risks.
Legal review ensures the legal security of a business, minimizes financial and regulatory risks, and protects the interests of the parties. Involving a lawyer at the stage of contract preparation or analysis allows businesses to avoid mistakes, improve cooperation efficiency, and ensure compliance with all obligations under the law. For complex or international contracts, legal review and support are critical to safeguarding the legal rights of the business and preventing potential disputes.
