Most contracts presented to a small business or individual are drafted by the other side's lawyer for the other side's benefit. That does not mean they are unfair — it means they are not neutral. A contract review is a chance to find out what you are agreeing to before you sign, identify any clauses worth pushing back on, and ensure the deal that the contract describes is the deal you actually negotiated.
What I look at
Every contract review covers the same core ground: what each party is committing to deliver, what each party is paying or receiving, when and how either party can terminate, what happens if something goes wrong (indemnities, liability caps, insurance), and any rights or obligations that survive termination. Beyond the standard checks, the right questions depend on the type of contract — supply, services, employment, sale of business, partnership, license — and I tailor the review accordingly.
Plain language, not legal jargon
A contract review only helps you if you understand it. I do not return a 14-page legal opinion full of caveats. I return a short, structured summary — what the clauses actually mean, what the realistic risks are, and what I would negotiate. If you decide to proceed unchanged, that is a fully informed decision.
How I handle a contract reviews matter
- 1Fast turnaround — most contract reviews completed within 2-3 business days
- 2Plain-language summary of key issues and recommended changes
- 3Marked-up version of the contract where revisions are suggested
- 4Brief follow-up call to discuss anything unclear
Frequently asked questions
How long does a contract review take?
Most reviews are completed in 2-3 business days. Urgent reviews can be expedited where required.
Can you negotiate the contract for me?
Yes. After the review you can either negotiate the changes yourself using my marked-up draft, or I can negotiate with the other side directly. It often depends on the relationship — you may prefer to keep the conversation cordial and have me act behind the scenes.
Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Last reviewed 2026-05-22.
This page is general legal information about contract reviews in Victoria, Australia. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free initial consultation.