The Pre-Signature Contract Review Checklist

Most contract problems are not caused by clever drafting on the other side. They are caused by something nobody checked. An auto-renewal you did not notice. A liability cap that excludes the things most likely to go wrong. An indemnity you skimmed. An annexure that was emailed separately and never attached to the version you signed.

This checklist is what a lawyer actually looks for in the first pass, written so you can do that pass yourself, with the agreement open in front of you.

It works through ten areas: the basics, what you are agreeing to do, money, time, risk, ownership and information, people and exclusivity, getting out, what happens if it goes wrong, and the signing page. Tick what you have checked. Anything you cannot tick is a question for the other side, and the time to ask it is now, while you still have leverage.

It also gives you the three things founders most often miss. A plain explanation of what an exclusion of consequential loss really costs you, and why it matters far more when it sits next to a low liability cap. Ten circumstances where you should stop and get advice rather than sign. And seven phrases, including "sole discretion", "best endeavours" and "time is of the essence", that change what a clause means without looking like they do.

What you get

A print ready PDF, designed and branded, five pages.
Written for South African law, including POPIA operator clauses, and current as at September 2026.
Instant download. No subscription.

Who it is for

Founders, directors and operations managers who sign commercial contracts without in-house legal. Consultants and agencies who are handed a client's paper and told it is standard. Anyone who has ever signed something and then hoped.

What it is not

It is legal information, not legal advice on your situation, and it does not cover every issue in every contract. It will tell you where the risk is. It will not tell you whether to accept it. Where the value or the risk is significant, have the agreement reviewed.

Add The Pre-Signature Contract Review Checklist to your cart for R99.