Contract review checklist (free, with a worked example)
2026-10-06 · Contracts
A free, editable contract review checklist — clause by clause, with risk flags, a key-terms check and the LLM prompts to review a draft safely.
To review a contract, check the numbers first — price, dates, notice and caps — against the agreed term sheet, then walk each clause for what it does and its risk, and flag every departure rather than silently fixing it. In one short services agreement this found three silent changes in under four minutes.
The one rule
Every line is a term the client agreed or a drafting choice. Check the numbers first; they carry the most risk and drift the most quietly.
The clause-by-clause pass
- Parties & recitals — names correct, recitals match the deal.
- Definitions — used consistently; no undefined capitals.
- Scope — what is in, and expressly out.
- Payment & price — amount, timing, currency, variation.
- Term & termination — length, notice, consequences.
- Liability cap & indemnities — the risk allocation.
- Warranties, confidentiality, IP and data protection.
- Force majeure, assignment, governing law, jurisdiction.
A worked example
| Term | Agreed | In the draft | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment terms | 30 days | 14 days | Departure — corrected |
| Liability cap | Fees paid | Unlimited | Departure — reverted |
| Governing law | England & Wales | Delaware | Departure — corrected |
Get the editable workbook and the LLM prompt pack: contract-review-checklist.xlsx · prompt pack.
Written for legal professionals. Not legal advice. Always verify every authority and let a named lawyer sign off.