Should You Sign a Contract Without a Lawyer?
The Short Answer
It depends on the stakes. For a gym membership or a simple freelance gig, you can likely review the contract yourself. For an employment agreement with a non-compete, a commercial lease, or anything involving significant money or long-term obligations, professional review is worth the cost.
When You Can Probably Go Without a Lawyer
- Standard consumer contracts like streaming subscriptions or retail warranties
- Low-value freelance projects under a few hundred dollars with clear deliverables
- Simple NDAs with reasonable time limits and narrow scope
- Month-to-month agreements you can exit with short notice
Even in these cases, you should still read every word. "Standard" contracts can contain surprising arbitration clauses, automatic renewals, or liability waivers.
When Legal Review Is Worth It
- Employment agreements with non-compete, non-solicitation, or IP assignment clauses
- Commercial leases with personal guarantees or long terms
- Business partnership or operating agreements
- Any contract involving more than $10,000 in potential liability
- Contracts with penalty or liquidated damages clauses
What to Check If You Review It Yourself
- Termination provisions: How do you get out, and what does it cost?
- Liability and indemnification: What are you agreeing to be responsible for?
- Dispute resolution: Are you waiving your right to go to court?
- Automatic renewal: Does the contract renew without explicit opt-in?
- Governing law: Which state's laws apply if there is a dispute?
The Cost of Not Getting Review
A one-hour attorney consultation typically costs $200-$500. An unfavorable non-compete clause or a missed personal guarantee can cost tens of thousands. The math often favors a brief legal review for significant agreements.
When to Consult a Lawyer
Consider getting legal review when the contract limits your future employment, involves a personal guarantee, includes indemnification for the other party's actions, or when the other side has a lawyer and you do not. The imbalance of legal representation often leads to one-sided terms.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.