What does a contract review cost? This is a question many business owners and individuals will ask when asked to sign an important and legally binding contract Let’s explore this question and also review some general information about contract review services.
How Much Does a Contract Review Cost?
Contract review is a service provided by lawyers on behalf of clients. The process involves the lawyer reading and understanding a written contract, typically line-by-line, in order to analyze the terms to determine whether they are fair. They also look for portions that may expose their clients to risk, often providing revised text that will better protect their client.
Getting help from a lawyer with contract review is highly encouraged since the signing any legally binding document will have future implications. Contract review costs vary depending on the length of the contract, risk of the transaction, and how many sections needs to be revised.
Based on ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data, the average cost of a project involving a contract review is $608. However, contract review cost vary greatly since no contract or situation is the same.
What Do Lawyers Look For During a Contract Review?
- Parties Involved. A lawyer will check to see all parties involved in a transaction, and make sure their complete legal names are included. The lawyer will want to make sure they understand everyone involved in the transaction.
- Responsibilities and Rights. The lawyer will want to fully understand what each party’s obligations are and what they are entitled to as part of the contract.
- Dispute Resolution Clause. The lawyer will want to analyze how any future disputes will be handled, should they occur. Dispute resolution clauses will need to be fair and not overly burdensome on one of the parties.
- Deadlines. They lawyer will want to understand any deadlines involved in the transaction to make sure they are reasonable.
- Termination. The lawyer will want to understand how their client can get out of the contract or under what specific terms a contract may end.
- Representations. A contract should not accept or give any information that you don’t know to be true.
- Warranties. Warranties should be clearly stated and final in the contract.
- Indemnification. A lawyer will want to make sure there is mutual indemnification in a contract.
- Liability. A lawyer will want to understand what liabilities their client will have should there be a breach of obligations or damages.
- Renewals. The lawyer will look to see if there are any automatic renewals, so their client can understand them.
- Risk Allocation. A lawyer will outline risks associated with the contract to their client, and how risk is allocated across the parties.
- Other Terms. Many contracts include business terms which can be negotiated to put their client in a better position.
What Types of Contracts Should Be Reviewed?
If you are asked to sign a legally binding document with a significant implication, you should have it reviewed by a lawyer. Below is a list of common contracts that should undergo contract review.
- Employment Contract. An employment contract is a legal document that governs an employee-employer relationship. Given how important these documents are, they should undergo contract review before signing.
- Consulting Agreement. Consulting agreements are used between a company and a consultant and may have big implications on payment and liability exposure.
- Service Contract. Service contracts are put in place by businesses to govern the terms of services that will be provided. These contracts should be reviewed to make sure the company is getting into a fair and low-risk relationship.
- Noncompete Agreement. Noncompete agreements are legal documents that limit an employee’s ability to work for a competitor if they leave the employer. Given their potential implications, it is a good idea to get them reviewed.
- Severance Agreement. Severance agreements are legal documents put in place with employees who are terminated.
- Asset Purchase Agreements. Asset purchase agreements are used when someone is buying assets, typically from a business. They should be reviewed given they normally have a high transaction size.
- Real Estate Contracts. Real estate contracts are typically high-value, and it is a good idea to get a lawyer to review them before signing.
- Investment Contracts. Given investment contracts typically include the exchange of a large amount of money, it is wise to have a lawyer review them to make sure the terms are fair.
The list of contracts that would require contract review can go on for a very long time. A good rule of thumb is if a contract has a high value ($5000+) or carries significant risks, you should consider getting it reviewed by a lawyer.
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Contract Review Cost - Broken Down
ContractsCounsel’s marketplace has data on contract review costs for all projects. The average project amount for a contract review is $608. Below is a list of 250 common contract review projects on the ContractsCounsel platform alphabetized with their average flat fee cost. Note, this average is across all project and all US states.
- Acceptable Use Policy. The average cost to review a acceptable use policy is $425.
- Accounting Services Agreement. The average cost to review a accounting services agreement is $299.
- Addendum to Lease. The average cost to review a addendum to lease is $388.
- Advance Health Directive. The average cost to review a advance health directive is $400.
- Advertising Agreement. The average cost to review a advertising agreement is $285.
- Advisory Agreement. The average cost to review a advisory agreement is $478.
- Affiliate Agreement. The average cost to review a affiliate agreement is $516.
- Angel Investor Agreement. The average cost to review a angel investor agreement is $472.
- Apartment Rental Agreement. The average cost to review a apartment rental agreement is $350.
- Artist Management Agreement. The average cost to review a artist management agreement is $453.
- Asset Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a asset purchase agreement is $695.
- Author Agreement. The average cost to review a author agreement is $334.
- Beta Agreement. The average cost to review a beta agreement is $350.
- Bill of Sale. The average cost to review a bill of sale is $433.
- Book Agreement. The average cost to review a book agreement is $362.
- Book Publishing Agreement. The average cost to review a book publishing agreement is $440.
- Brand Licensing Agreement. The average cost to review a brand licensing agreement is $590.
- Broker Carrier Agreement. The average cost to review a broker carrier agreement is $350.
- Building Lease. The average cost to review a building lease is $766.
- Business Associate Agreement. The average cost to review a business associate agreement is $320.
- Business Contract. The average cost to review a business contract is $481.
- Business Partnership Agreement. The average cost to review a business partnership agreement is $550.
- Business Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a business purchase agreement is $962.
- Buy Sell Agreement. The average cost to review a buy sell agreement is $851.
- Buyout Agreement. The average cost to review a buyout agreement is $433.
- Catering Services Agreement. The average cost to review a catering services agreement is $425.
- Cease and Desist Letter. The average cost to review a cease and desist letter is $249.
- Channel Partner Agreement. The average cost to review a channel partner agreement is $500.
- Coaching Agreement. The average cost to review a coaching agreement is $349.
- Cohabitation Agreement. The average cost to review a cohabitation agreement is $349.
- Collaboration Agreement. The average cost to review a collaboration agreement is $399.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement. The average cost to review a collective bargaining agreement is $400.
- Commercial Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a commercial lease agreement is $728.
- Commercial Lease. The average cost to review a commercial lease is $706.
- Commercial Loan Agreement. The average cost to review a commercial loan agreement is $722.
- Commission Agreement. The average cost to review a commission agreement is $425.
- Common Stock Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a common stock purchase agreement is $416.
- Compensation Agreement. The average cost to review a compensation agreement is $472.
- Confidential Information Release Agreement. The average cost to review a confidential information release agreement is $199.
- Confidential Settlement Agreement. The average cost to review a confidential settlement agreement is $495.
- Confidentiality Agreement. The average cost to review a confidentiality agreement is $299.
- Consent Agreement. The average cost to review a consent agreement is $410.
- Consignment Agreement. The average cost to review a consignment agreement is $975.
- Construction Agreement. The average cost to review a construction agreement is $475.
- Construction Services Agreement. The average cost to review a construction services agreement is $535.
- Consulting Agreement. The average cost to review a consulting agreement is $428.
- Consulting Services Contract. The average cost to review a consulting services contract is $493.
- Content Creator Agreement. The average cost to review a content creator agreement is $307.
- Content License Agreement. The average cost to review a content license agreement is $555.
- Contractor Agreement. The average cost to review a contractor agreement is $379.
- Convertible Note. The average cost to review a convertible note is $481.
- Co-ownership Agreement. The average cost to review a co-ownership agreement is $515.
- Copyright License Agreement. The average cost to review a copyright license agreement is $233.
- Corporate Bylaws. The average cost to review a corporate bylaws is $467.
- Custodial Agreement. The average cost to review a custodial agreement is $399.
- Customer Contract. The average cost to review a customer contract is $410.
- Data Processing Agreement. The average cost to review a data processing agreement is $675.
- Deed of Trust. The average cost to review a deed of trust is $325.
- Dental Associate Contract. The average cost to review a dental associate contract is $368.
- Design-Build Contract. The average cost to review a design-build contract is $611.
- Developer Agreement. The average cost to review a developer agreement is $730.
- Development Services Agreement. The average cost to review a development services agreement is $473.
- Dissolution Agreement. The average cost to review a dissolution agreement is $400.
- Distribution Agreement. The average cost to review a distribution agreement is $617.
- Divorce Settlement Agreement. The average cost to review a divorce settlement agreement is $700.
- Domestic Partnership Agreement. The average cost to review a domestic partnership agreement is $716.
- Early Termination Agreement. The average cost to review a early termination agreement is $339.
- Earn Out Agreement. The average cost to review a earn out agreement is $450.
- Earnest Money Contract. The average cost to review a earnest money contract is $467.
- Employee Confidentiality Agreement. The average cost to review a employee confidentiality agreement is $401.
- Employee IP Agreement. The average cost to review a employee ip agreement is $565.
- Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement. The average cost to review a employee non-disclosure agreement is $271.
- Employee Separation Agreement. The average cost to review a employee separation agreement is $424.
- Employee Stock Options Agreement. The average cost to review a employee stock options agreement is $480.
- Employment Contract. The average cost to review a employment contract is $420.
- Employment Handbook. The average cost to review a employment handbook is $574.
- Employment Offer. The average cost to review a employment offer is $475.
- End User License Agreement. The average cost to review a end user license agreement is $424.
- Equipment Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a equipment lease agreement is $416.
- Equipment Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a equipment purchase agreement is $350.
- Equity Compensation Agreement. The average cost to review a equity compensation agreement is $485.
- Equity Grant Agreement. The average cost to review a equity grant agreement is $520.
- Event Services Agreement. The average cost to review a event services agreement is $352.
- Event Space Rental Agreement. The average cost to review a event space rental agreement is $499.
- Exclusive Agency Agreement. The average cost to review a exclusive agency agreement is $275.
- Exclusive Distribution Agreement. The average cost to review a exclusive distribution agreement is $437.
- Exclusivity Agreement. The average cost to review a exclusivity agreement is $522.
- Executive Employment Contract. The average cost to review a executive employment contract is $490.
- Fee Retainer Agreement. The average cost to review a fee retainer agreement is $393.
- Founders Agreement. The average cost to review a founders agreement is $600.
- Franchise Agreement. The average cost to review a franchise agreement is $663.
- Freelance Contract. The average cost to review a freelance contract is $384.
- General Contractor Contract. The average cost to review a general contractor contract is $290.
- Ground Lease. The average cost to review a ground lease is $868.
- Home Improvement Contract. The average cost to review a home improvement contract is $299.
- Hosted Services Agreement. The average cost to review a hosted services agreement is $350.
- Indemnification Agreement. The average cost to review a indemnification agreement is $495.
- Indemnity Agreement. The average cost to review a indemnity agreement is $950.
- Independent Contractor Agreement. The average cost to review a independent contractor agreement is $385.
- Influencer Agreement. The average cost to review a influencer agreement is $2850.
- Informed Consent Form. The average cost to review a informed consent form is $350.
- Insurance Agreement. The average cost to review a insurance agreement is $300.
- Intellectual Property License Agreement. The average cost to review a intellectual property license agreement is $365.
- Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement. The average cost to review a intellectual property transfer agreement is $787.
- International Distribution Agreement. The average cost to review a international distribution agreement is $250.
- Invention Assignment Agreement. The average cost to review a invention assignment agreement is $808.
- Investment Advisory Contract. The average cost to review a investment advisory contract is $695.
- Investment Contract. The average cost to review a investment contract is $704.
- Investment Management Agreement. The average cost to review a investment management agreement is $246.
- Investment Subscription Agreement. The average cost to review a investment subscription agreement is $772.
- IP Assignment Agreement. The average cost to review a ip assignment agreement is $417.
- Joinder Agreement. The average cost to review a joinder agreement is $165.
- Joint Development Agreement. The average cost to review a joint development agreement is $240.
- Joint Marketing Agreement. The average cost to review a joint marketing agreement is $800.
- Joint Operating Agreement. The average cost to review a joint operating agreement is $500.
- Joint Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a joint purchase agreement is $350.
- Joint Venture Agreement. The average cost to review a joint venture agreement is $1155.
- KISS Note. The average cost to review a kiss note is $465.
- Land Contract. The average cost to review a land contract is $400.
- Land Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a land lease agreement is $757.
- Land Sales Agreement. The average cost to review a land sales agreement is $525.
- Landscaping Contract. The average cost to review a landscaping contract is $250.
- Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a lease agreement is $607.
- Lease Modification Agreement. The average cost to review a lease modification agreement is $1550.
- Lease Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a lease purchase agreement is $354.
- Lease Termination. The average cost to review a lease termination is $350.
- Lease To Own Agreement. The average cost to review a lease to own agreement is $466.
- Legal Services Agreement. The average cost to review a legal services agreement is $700.
- Letter of Intent. The average cost to review a letter of intent is $322.
- Liability Waiver. The average cost to review a liability waiver is $328.
- Licensing Agreement. The average cost to review a licensing agreement is $791.
- Listing Agreement. The average cost to review a listing agreement is $438.
- LLC Operating Agreement. The average cost to review a llc operating agreement is $544.
- LLC Subscription Agreement. The average cost to review a llc subscription agreement is $473.
- Loan Agreement. The average cost to review a loan agreement is $422.
- Manufacturing Agreement. The average cost to review a manufacturing agreement is $1250.
- Marketing Agent Agreement. The average cost to review a marketing agent agreement is $449.
- Marketing Agreement. The average cost to review a marketing agreement is $609.
- Master Services Agreement. The average cost to review a master services agreement is $492.
- Membership Agreement. The average cost to review a membership agreement is $400.
- Memorandum of Understanding. The average cost to review a memorandum of understanding is $495.
- Model Agency Contract. The average cost to review a model agency contract is $250.
- Mortgage Note Agreement. The average cost to review a mortgage note agreement is $433.
- Music License Agreement. The average cost to review a music license agreement is $462.
- Non-Compete Agreement. The average cost to review a non-compete agreement is $342.
- Non-Competition Agreement. The average cost to review a non-competition agreement is $332.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement. The average cost to review a non-disclosure agreement is $181.
- Non-Solicitation Agreement. The average cost to review a non-solicitation agreement is $350.
- Note Payable Agreement. The average cost to review a note payable agreement is $350.
- Offer Letter. The average cost to review a offer letter is $341.
- Offering Memorandum. The average cost to review a offering memorandum is $865.
- Office Space Lease. The average cost to review a office space lease is $687.
- OnlyFans Management Contract. The average cost to review a onlyfans management contract is $353.
- Operating Agreement. The average cost to review a operating agreement is $437.
- Operational Level Agreement. The average cost to review a operational level agreement is $170.
- Option Grant. The average cost to review a option grant is $325.
- Options Contract. The average cost to review a options contract is $555.
- Partnership Agreement. The average cost to review a partnership agreement is $704.
- Patent License Agreement. The average cost to review a patent license agreement is $500.
- Phantom Stock Agreement. The average cost to review a phantom stock agreement is $200.
- Photography Service Agreement. The average cost to review a photography service agreement is $387.
- Physician Employment Agreement. The average cost to review a physician employment agreement is $435.
- Postnuptial Agreement. The average cost to review a postnuptial agreement is $473.
- Power of Attorney. The average cost to review a power of attorney is $152.
- Prenuptial Agreement. The average cost to review a prenuptial agreement is $515.
- Privacy Policy. The average cost to review a privacy policy is $250.
- Private Placement Memorandum. The average cost to review a private placement memorandum is $915.
- Private Placement Subscription Agreement. The average cost to review a private placement subscription agreement is $1500.
- Product Licensing Agreement. The average cost to review a product licensing agreement is $1000.
- Production Services Agreement. The average cost to review a production services agreement is $296.
- Professional Services Agreement. The average cost to review a professional services agreement is $693.
- Profit Share Agreement. The average cost to review a profit share agreement is $474.
- Project Collaboration Agreement. The average cost to review a project collaboration agreement is $275.
- Promissory Note Agreement. The average cost to review a promissory note agreement is $419.
- Property Deed. The average cost to review a property deed is $475.
- Property Management Agreement. The average cost to review a property management agreement is $496.
- Property Sale Agreement. The average cost to review a property sale agreement is $536.
- Publishing Contract. The average cost to review a publishing contract is $677.
- Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a purchase agreement is $603.
- Purchase And Sale Agreement. The average cost to review a purchase and sale agreement is $311.
- Purchase Contract. The average cost to review a purchase contract is $753.
- Quitclaim Deed. The average cost to review a quitclaim deed is $375.
- Real Estate Investment Agreement. The average cost to review a real estate investment agreement is $399.
- Real Estate License Agreement. The average cost to review a real estate license agreement is $400.
- Real Estate Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a real estate purchase agreement is $596.
- Real Estate Sale Agreement. The average cost to review a real estate sale agreement is $622.
- Recruiting Services Agreement. The average cost to review a recruiting services agreement is $450.
- Referral Partner Agreement. The average cost to review a referral partner agreement is $375.
- Release Form. The average cost to review a release form is $375.
- Release of Liability. The average cost to review a release of liability is $375.
- Renovation Contract. The average cost to review a renovation contract is $700.
- Rental Agreement. The average cost to review a rental agreement is $352.
- Rental Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a rental lease agreement is $457.
- Rent-To-Own Contract. The average cost to review a rent-to-own contract is $300.
- Repayment Agreement. The average cost to review a repayment agreement is $150.
- Repurchase Agreement. The average cost to review a repurchase agreement is $1000.
- Residential Real Estate Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a residential real estate lease agreement is $295.
- Residential Service Contract. The average cost to review a residential service contract is $350.
- Resignation Letter. The average cost to review a resignation letter is $500.
- Restricted Stock Agreement. The average cost to review a restricted stock agreement is $431.
- Retail Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a retail lease agreement is $715.
- Retainer Agreement. The average cost to review a retainer agreement is $700.
- Revenue Sharing Agreement. The average cost to review a revenue sharing agreement is $333.
- Revocable Living Trust. The average cost to review a revocable living trust is $425.
- Roofing Contract. The average cost to review a roofing contract is $300.
- Royalty Agreement. The average cost to review a royalty agreement is $420.
- RSU Agreement. The average cost to review a rsu agreement is $600.
- SaaS Agreement. The average cost to review a saas agreement is $536.
- SAFE Note. The average cost to review a safe note is $538.
- Sales Agreement. The average cost to review a sales agreement is $276.
- Sales Commission Agreement. The average cost to review a sales commission agreement is $406.
- Separation Agreement. The average cost to review a separation agreement is $499.
- Service Agreement. The average cost to review a service agreement is $431.
- Settlement Agreement. The average cost to review a settlement agreement is $411.
- Severance Agreement. The average cost to review a severance agreement is $424.
- Share Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a share purchase agreement is $400.
- Shareholder Agreement. The average cost to review a shareholder agreement is $568.
- Software Agreement. The average cost to review a software agreement is $608.
- Software Development Agreement. The average cost to review a software development agreement is $436.
- Software Licensing Agreement. The average cost to review a software licensing agreement is $300.
- Software Subscription Agreement. The average cost to review a software subscription agreement is $1050.
- Sperm Donor Contract. The average cost to review a sperm donor contract is $225.
- Sponsorship Agreements. The average cost to review a sponsorship agreements is $447.
- Statement of Work. The average cost to review a statement of work is $395.
- Stock Incentive Plan. The average cost to review a stock incentive plan is $570.
- Stock Option Agreement. The average cost to review a stock option agreement is $348.
- Stock Purchase Agreement. The average cost to review a stock purchase agreement is $614.
- Subcontractor Agreement. The average cost to review a subcontractor agreement is $287.
- Sublease Agreement. The average cost to review a sublease agreement is $400.
- Sublease. The average cost to review a sublease is $625.
- Subscription Agreement. The average cost to review a subscription agreement is $622.
- Surrogacy Contract. The average cost to review a surrogacy contract is $824.
- Swimming Pool Contract. The average cost to review a swimming pool contract is $497.
- Teaming Agreement. The average cost to review a teaming agreement is $625.
- Terms and Conditions. The average cost to review a terms and conditions is $699.
- Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. The average cost to review a terms of service & privacy policy is $907.
- Terms of Service. The average cost to review a terms of service is $290.
- Terms Sheet. The average cost to review a terms sheet is $650.
- Trademark Application. The average cost to review a trademark application is $225.
- Trademark Assignment Agreement. The average cost to review a trademark assignment agreement is $587.
- Trust Deed. The average cost to review a trust deed is $750.
- User Agreement. The average cost to review a user agreement is $900.
- Vehicle Lease Agreement. The average cost to review a vehicle lease agreement is $462.
- Vendor Agreement. The average cost to review a vendor agreement is $364.
- Venue Rental Agreement. The average cost to review a venue rental agreement is $300.
- Video License Agreement. The average cost to review a video license agreement is $450.
- Waiver. The average cost to review a waiver is $266.
- Warranty Agreement. The average cost to review a warranty agreement is $495.
- Warranty Deed. The average cost to review a warranty deed is $2000.
- Wedding Contract. The average cost to review a wedding contract is $240.
How Do Contract Review Lawyers Charge?
Lawyers who review contracts charge in a variety of ways. After chatting with the client, they will typically recommend the best way to handle the project. Below are some ways a contract review lawyer charge.
Hourly Rate
Many lawyers opt to bill on an hourly rate. Given the uncertainty surrounding contract review projects, this is a way to make sure the lawyer and client are paying for the work being completed.
ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data shows the average hourly rate for an business lawyer ranges from $250 - $350 per hour.
Flat Fee
Flat fee billing structures are becoming more popular for lawyers. Once a lawyer has taken a look at the document, they will offer a fixed-fee to review the contract.
ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data shows the average flat fee rate for employment contract costs to be $608.
Per-Page Rate
In certain situations, lawyers may offer per-page rates for contract review. This is another form of a flat-fee, but gives them flexibility in case the project grows in size or the review is not of the entire document.
Get Help with a Contract Review
Do you need help with a contract review? If so, post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to receive flat fee bids from lawyers to handle your review. All lawyers on the ContractsCounsel’s platform are vetted by our team to make sure you are provided with top tier service.
