Paperwork and contracts are an unavoidable part of modern life. Often, dealing with these kinds of documents yourself is fine, but sometimes, you may wonder “do I need a contract lawyer?” The answer to this question depends on what kind of contract you’re dealing with, your position and your knowledge and experience.
How a contract lawyer can help you
In order for a contract to be legally binding, the wording and format need to be precise. By utilising the services of a contract lawyer, you’ll be able to ensure any contracts you draw up or sign are legally sound and costly mistakes are avoided. If you lack basic knowledge of legal terms or if a contract is particularly complicated, it’s advisable to work with a contract lawyer before signing.
If you own your own business, you will probably need to draw up and sign contracts on a regular basis. You’ll need contracts in place with suppliers, employees, insurance firms, landlords and more, to ensure you’re all protected during any dealings you have. When drawing up contracts, it’s especially important to get legal advice, as a poorly written contract could mean it’s not worth the paper it’s written on, so you could find yourself being sued or not being able to take action against parties that breach any contracts.
Things you may want to handle by yourself
If you run your own business, there are some legal matters that you may want to take care of yourself to save money, but only do this if you are completely comfortable. These include registering your business name and choosing your legal structure (e.g. sole trader and limited company).
When it comes to signing common contracts, such as employment, tenancy agreement, and hire purchase contracts, carefully looking over the documentation yourself should be enough. But again, if you’re not comfortable with this or if you find the text confusing, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
If in doubt…
If you’re in any doubt over whether you need a contract lawyer, it’s best to err on the side of caution by getting some no-obligation advice. You could set up a free initial consultation with a lawyer or speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau. If you choose to consult a lawyer, make sure you research their reputation and experience with contracts, and ask family, friends or colleagues if they have any recommendations.