A contract review can quickly become challenging when several requests arrive at the same time. A client sends three contracts on Monday morning. Another client needs a review before lunch. Then, a partner asks for an update on a different matter.
Sound familiar?
For many law firms, the challenge is not simply reading the documents. Lawyers also need to manage deadlines, understand client priorities, spot potential risks, and keep track of several requests at once.
When everything comes in at the same time, having a clear way of working can make a big difference.
Start Contract Review with the Right Priority
Not every contract needs the same level of urgency.
Before opening the first document, take a moment to look at the bigger picture. Which contract has the closest deadline? Which one involves a significant transaction? Which client is waiting for an immediate response?
A practical priority system can help the team decide where to start:
- Urgent: tight deadlines, major transactions, or significant legal risks
- Important: contracts that need attention soon but have some flexibility
- Routine: standard agreements with less time pressure
The lawyer handling the matter also matters. An employment lawyer, for example, may work faster and spot issues more easily when reviewing an employment agreement.
This simple step can prevent the team from spending too much time on a low priority request while an urgent matter waits in the queue.
Use a Contract Review Checklist, but Keep It Practical
A checklist does not replace legal judgment. It simply gives lawyers a consistent starting point.
For a typical agreement, the checklist might include:
- Who are the parties, and who has authority to sign?
- What does each party need to do?
- How do the payment terms work?
- How long does the agreement run?
- What happens if either party wants to terminate it?
- Who carries the liability if something goes wrong?
- Does the agreement include confidentiality or data protection obligations?
- Which law applies, and how will the parties resolve disputes?
The checklist can change depending on the type of agreement. A simple NDA will require a different approach from a complex commercial agreement.
The goal is not to make every review identical. Instead, the checklist helps lawyers avoid missing basic issues while they focus on the clauses that require deeper analysis.
Pay Extra Attention to High-Risk Clauses
Some clauses deserve more attention than others.
Liability, indemnity, termination, payment, and dispute resolution can create significant consequences for a client. The right questions will depend on the transaction and the client’s position.
Technology can also help lawyers work through large volumes of contracts. AI tools, for example, can help locate clauses, compare terms, or flag certain provisions.
Still, technology should support the lawyer’s work, not replace legal judgment. Always check important findings against the original document and the client’s commercial objectives.
Keep Every Review Visible
One common problem appears when several contract reviews run at the same time: nobody has a complete picture of what is happening.
One lawyer may be waiting for information from the client. Another may have finished the review but still needs partner approval. Someone else may already have sent comments back to the client.
A simple status flow can make these situations easier to manage:
New Request → Under Review → Waiting for Client → Pending Approval → Completed
It also helps to record the key issues and next steps for each matter. Partners can then see which reviews are moving, which ones are stuck, and where the team needs to follow up.
Managing Multiple Reviews Without Creating More Work
Handling several contracts at once does not mean lawyers need to rush through every document.
The better approach is to create enough structure around the work so the team knows what needs attention, who is handling it, and what happens next.
A clear workflow, practical checklist, and visible matter status can help the team stay organised without adding unnecessary administrative work.
In the end, good contract review is not about reviewing the most documents. It is about giving each contract the right level of attention while keeping deadlines and client expectations under control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should lawyers check during a contract review?
Lawyers should look at the parties, obligations, payment terms, duration, termination rights, liability, indemnity, confidentiality, dispute resolution, and other provisions that may affect the client’s interests.
Why should law firms use a checklist for contract review?
A checklist gives lawyers a practical starting point and reduces the chance of overlooking important provisions, especially when several contracts arrive at the same time.
Should every contract receive the same level of review?
Not necessarily. The approach should depend on the contract’s complexity, risk, value, deadline, and the client’s objectives.
How long does a contract review take?
There is no single timeframe. A short and straightforward agreement may take less time than a complex commercial contract with extensive negotiation points.
Can AI help lawyers with contract review?
Yes. AI can assist with tasks such as locating clauses, comparing provisions, and summarising documents. However, lawyers should verify the results and apply their own legal judgment before relying on them.