Free Legal Contract Drafting Checklist Format Template
Legal Contract Drafting Checklist Format
Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
Company: [YOUR COMPANY NAME]
Date: [DATE]
Pre-Drafting Considerations
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Define the purpose and scope of the contract. |
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Identify all parties involved and their legal names. |
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Determine the governing law and jurisdiction. |
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Assess any regulatory or compliance requirements. |
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Verify the authority of signatories to bind the parties. |
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Essential Elements of the Contract
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Include a clear title that reflects the purpose of the agreement. |
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State the date of the agreement. |
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Provide detailed definitions of key terms. |
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Clearly outline the obligations of each party. |
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Include consideration (payment, services, or other forms of value). |
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Specify performance deadlines and timelines. |
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Key Provisions
Provision |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Representations and warranties of the parties. |
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Confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses. |
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Termination and renewal terms. |
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Indemnification and liability limitations. |
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Dispute resolution mechanism (e.g., mediation, arbitration). |
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Force majeure clause. |
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Compliance and Legal Requirements
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. |
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Include clauses addressing data protection and privacy. |
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Verify compliance with intellectual property laws. |
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Address export controls, if applicable. |
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Include a compliance with laws clause. |
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Drafting Specifics
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Use plain, unambiguous language. |
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Avoid overly complex legal jargon unless necessary. |
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Differentiate between mandatory and discretionary terms. |
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Use consistent terminology throughout the document. |
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Ensure that numbers are written out and numerically stated (e.g., "ten (10)"). |
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Attachments and Schedules
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Attach related documents or exhibits (e.g., specifications, diagrams). |
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Include a schedule of deliverables or milestones. |
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Provide a payment schedule, if applicable. |
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Verify that all referenced exhibits are included and properly labeled. |
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Review and Revision
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Proofread the contract for grammatical and typographical errors. |
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Ensure consistency between clauses and provisions. |
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Cross-check references to other sections of the contract. |
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Review by legal counsel for compliance and enforceability. |
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Execution and Post-Drafting
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Provide space for signatures of authorized representatives. |
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Include the date and place of execution. |
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Add notarization or witnesses, if required. |
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Distribute executed copies to all parties. |
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Retain a copy of the signed contract for records. |
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Periodic Review and Updates
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Schedule periodic reviews of the contract’s terms. |
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Update provisions as needed to reflect changes in law or circumstances. |
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Confirm renewal or termination at the end of the contract term. |
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