You’ve received a contract. It looks straightforward. It came from someone you trust. They say, “Just sign it — it’s standard.”
However, there is a spoiler, there’s no such thing as "just signing" when your time, reputation, or money is involved.
I see these situations regularly, and what I find is the most dangerous clauses are the ones you don’t know to look for. Whether you're a consultant or a small business owner, clarity is protection.
The Myth of the 'Standard Contract'
Clients and collaborators will often send documents that look well-structured and familiar, set out as “our standard contract” But:
- "Boilerplate" doesn’t mean balanced.
- The presence of a logo doesn’t equal fairness.
- One ambiguous clause can shift liability entirely onto you.
Every agreement has a power dynamic. A proper review ensures you’re not signing away more than you bargained for. And do not forget, if it’s their agreement it will be drafted in their favour to some degree.
The Real-World Risks I See (Too Often)
Here's a snapshot of what I regularly come across:
- Automatic renewals buried in small print
- Uncapped liability for missed deadlines or delays
- Ambiguous payment terms that delay cashflow
- Intellectual property grabs that claim ownership of your work
- One-sided termination clauses that leave you exposed
These aren’t rare exceptions — they’re hiding in plain sight.
Handshake Deals? Still Binding (Still Risky)
In the UK, and many other jurisdictions, a verbal agreement can be legally binding. But just because it can be enforced, doesn’t mean it should be relied on:
- Memory fades, intentions change, and misunderstandings happen.
- Without a written contract, it becomes your word vs theirs.
- Even a quick email summary or simple agreement is better than nothing.
I often help clients clean up after things go wrong due to unclear terms or over-reliance on verbal agreements.
Getting it in writing is not about mistrust — it's about clarity, alignment, and confidence.
What I Bring to the Table
I work with individuals and professionals to:
- Translate jargon into plain language
- Flag potential risks you might miss
- Suggest fairer terms (without souring the deal)
- Review informal commitments before they become formal issues
Whether it’s a contract, a collaboration, or a consultancy agreement, I bring highlighters and sharp thinking to every review — blending traditional care with modern insight to show how clauses are brought into real life situations.
Before you sign, pause. Even friendly agreements need a second look. Even quick deals deserve clear terms. Even small projects can lead to big headaches if you don't cover the basics.
Let me help you sign with confidence.
Ready to review a contract, sort a sticky clause, or formalise a verbal deal?
Get in touch at www.gracelegal.net or DM me at @grace.legal2025 or contact me via info@gracelegal.net.