Home Blog Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting: Key Terms, Tips, Goals

Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting: Key Terms, Tips, Goals

Jump to Section

What is Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting?

A policy and procedure manual is a legal document that explains what rules a business should follow and how employees can fulfill their work obligations.

It’s important to be comprehensive by clarifying both policies and procedures, even if they are in the same document.

Read the rest of this article for information about how to draft a policy and procedure manual, what terms to include in it, and how a qualified lawyer can assist you with the process.

What are Key Terms in a Policy and Procedure Manual?

A policy and procedure manual contains core components such as the following:

  • Policy. List the formal rules and principles that govern decisions and behavior within a company.
  • Procedure. Outline steps for how tasks should be performed and completed.
  • Scope and purpose. Explain the parties to whom the policies apply and why the document has been drafted.
  • Authority. State which party has permission to make decisions or approve specific actions.
  • Effective date. State the date on which the document comes into effect.

What are Tips for Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting?

When drafting a policy and procedure manual, make sure you follow these important tips that will ensure a clear, specific document.

Structure Your Content

Your policy and procedure manual has to be structured for accessibility. Organize the content into sections and subsections so that people in your organization find it easy to read and understand when they need to find information. You can also enhance your content with visuals such as flowcharts to display any complex processes in the company.

Identify Your Goals

Clarify what you wish for your employees to achieve and link these goals to the purpose of your business. Think about how all departments in your company will contribute to achieving them.

Keep it Short

You should keep your policies as short and concise as possible, instead of providing lots of information that can make the document challenging to follow. Use clear, simple language to prevent ambiguity and disputes.

Establish Accountability

Your agreement must clarify who has authority to make decisions and investigate incidents. This involves defining responsibilities of management and supervisors, and establishing clear reporting and escalation channels.

Include a Glossary of Terms

Your manual should contain definitions for any necessary jargon, legal terms, and acronyms that appear in it. If you assume that everyone will understand such terms, you risk ambiguity.

Consider Legal Guidelines

It’s important to consider all relevant legal and regulatory guidelines that govern the legal document. If you’re unsure of how to remain compliant with all relevant laws, a professional lawyer can assist you.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting?

You don’t always have to hire a lawyer to draft your policy and procedure manual. Companies might wish to draft the document internally and then hire a lawyer to review it. There are many benefits of asking a lawyer to draft or review your legal document for you.

A lawyer will:

  • Understand the business and its operations. They’ll consider who will be using the manual and what it should contain. This helps to create a customized manual that avoids vague, generic information.
  • Identify the relevant laws and regulations. A lawyer is knowledgeable about all legal requirements and will ensure your document is aligned with them.
  • Conduct a risk assessment. They’ll identify any challenges that could arise from ambiguity or inconsistency in the document, and ensure these aren’t included in the final draft.
  • Develop the policy framework. They know how to create a logical, accessible structure for your document so that users can access it with ease.
  • Draft clear policies. They’ll state exactly what is required, who is expected to comply, and who is responsible for enforcing the rules.
  • Create practical procedures. They’ll establish practical rules and steps to follow so that everyone understands their obligations.
  • Review your policy and procedure manual. If you’ve drafted the document, you can hire a lawyer to review it closely to identify any hidden gaps or risks.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Policy and Procedure Manual Drafting

If you need to find a lawyer to draft your policy and procedure manual, you don’t have to search for reputable lawyers in your area. You can use an online legal platform such as ContractsCounsel that provides you with easy access to experienced and skilled lawyers who can assist you with drafting your manual.

ContractsCounsel is one of the largest online legal marketplaces that connects you to a curated network of lawyers who have been vetted on the platform.

If you need to ask a lawyer to draft your policy and procedure manual for you, here are the easy steps to follow:

  1. Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace.
  2. Select ‘One-time project’ and ‘Create or update contract.’ If you’d prefer to ask a lawyer to review your contract, select ‘Review contract.’
  3. Post your project, which is free to do. Include some details of what you need so you can match with the most suitable lawyers on the platform.
  4. Wait for bids. You’ll receive bids from lawyers on the platform who are ready to assist you, instead of having to search for lawyers.
  5. Review the lawyer data. The platform provides a range of lawyer information to help you select the best one for your requirements, such as their location, credentials, years of experience, client ratings for previously completed projects on the platform, and field of expertise.
  6. Hire a lawyer to draft or review your policy and procedure manual for a flat fee.

ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Meet some of our Lawyers

Eric H. on ContractsCounsel
View Eric
5.0 (6)
Member Since:
April 9, 2026

Eric H.

Partner
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
University of Wisconsin

I help startups, growth-stage companies, and middle market businesses navigate their most important legal moments, from early fundraising rounds to complex M&A transactions. I work with founders, investors, executives and their ecosystem partners who want exceptional client service without the overhead of a large firm. Whether you are raising capital, planning an acquisition, negotiating complex commercial agreements, or need an experienced general counsel in your corner on a fractional basis, I bring big law and Fortune 500 expertise, at a fraction of their rates. I'm based in Minneapolis and work with clients across Minnesota and nationally.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Great Experience! Knowledgeable, Fast, and would use him 1000 times more."

Chaz G. on ContractsCounsel
View Chaz
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
April 15, 2026

Chaz G.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Dallas, TX
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY, TX
American University - Washington College of Law

As a former corporate attorney at one of the world's premier global law firms and former in-house counsel at Texas Instruments, a Fortune 500 technology leader, I bring big-firm expertise and corporate-level sophistication to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners who deserve the same quality legal support as the largest companies in the world. As a lawyer and startup founder with products currently being sold in national retail chains, I've spent my career at the intersection of complex business transactions, corporate law, and policy. I know how deals get done, where contracts go wrong, and how to protect businesses before problems arise. Now, I put that experience to work for founders and business owners who need practical, straightforward legal guidance without the intimidating price tag of a major law firm. Whether you're signing your first vendor contract, structuring a partnership, protecting your intellectual property, or navigating a business dispute, I translate the law into plain language so you can make confident decisions and focus on growing your business. What I bring to the table: - Complex commercial transactions experience at an AmLaw 100 firm - 7+ years as in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 company - Deep understanding of how businesses actually operate day-to-day - Flat-fee, transparent pricing with no billing surprises - Fast turnaround and direct communication If you're building something, I want to help you protect it.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Chaz was extremely helpful, thorough, and professional. I hired him for a cease and desist letter involving an unauthorized use of my company’s business identity, EIN, and credit. He took the time to review the documents carefully, explain the legal issues in plain English, and help me understand the strengths and challenges of my situation. What stood out most was how organized he was. He prepared a legal analysis memo before our call, walked me through the authority issues, and adjusted his approach after reviewing additional company documents. He was patient, clear, and never made me feel rushed, even though the situation involved several complicated details. The final work product was strong, detailed, and tailored to my specific facts rather than feeling like a generic template. I would definitely recommend Chaz to anyone who needs a knowledgeable attorney who communicates clearly and takes the time to understand the full picture."

Caroline N. on ContractsCounsel
View Caroline
5.0 (5)
Member Since:
April 18, 2026

Caroline N.

Attorney
Los Angeles County, California
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Chapman Fowler School of Law

Caroline is a solo attorney who provides legal counsel with a management-first mindset, combining legal expertise with proactive policy development. Prior to starting her own practice, Caroline gained extensive legal experience as a litigator defending and advising employers of all sizes, ranging from a single business owner, to a small family-owned winery, and major, nationwide corporations. Caroline also has experience on the plaintiffs' side representing survivors of sexual abuse against school districts and churches. With her unique litigation background and expertise representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Caroline understands that legal compliance is only a piece of the puzzle for business success. She is committed to leading with compassion to provide a personalized, approachable service for each client. Having safeguarded companies against a variety of business and employment disputes, Caroline is focused on preventative risk management, helping owners reduce potential employment litigation that she has defended firsthand in court. Caroline is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs spend less time worried about liability and more time focusing on business growth. Based in Los Angeles County, she provides accessible, actionable legal solutions throughout Southern California. During her free time, Caroline enjoys yoga and serving her Los Angeles community. In 2025, she partnered with NLSLA to provide pro bono legal services to individuals impacted by the Eaton Fire. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Caroline was super professional and got the job done with swiftness!"

Adam J. on ContractsCounsel
View Adam
5.0 (18)
Member Since:
April 17, 2026

Adam J.

Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Asheville, NC
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of Pennsylvania

I'm a California-licensed attorney with 18 years of experience helping everyone from Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups to individuals navigating real-life legal situations. I bring an high degree of emotional intelligence to every matter, and am also certified as both a coach and as a counselor. My career started at Fenwick & West, one of Silicon Valley's top law firms, where I worked alongside names like Google, Airbnb, Kleiner Perkins, and Sequoia Capital. From there I moved in - house at companies like Cloudflare, Autodesk, and Enphase - which gave me a practical, business-minded perspective that I bring to every client, no matter the size of the matter. Today I work with businesses and individuals alike. On the business side, that means commercial contracts, leases, startup corporate work, and serving as a fractional general counsel for companies that need a trusted legal partner without the overhead. On the personal side, I help individuals with employment matters, disputes, demand letters, contract review, and the kind of everyday legal situations where you just need someone knowledgeable in your corner. I'm direct, responsive, and I speak plain English — not legalese. Whether you're a founder closing your first deal or an individual facing a situation you've never navigated before, I'll give you the same level of attention and care.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I needed legal advice regarding ownership of solar panels after a bankruptcy and every attorney I spoke with stated they could not help me. Adam was the only one to step up and be an advocate for my family. He was extremely prompt with his communication and transparent with his fees. I never once felt like I was being ignored or having my concerns brushed aside. Adam listened and addressed every single one of my concerns in a professional manner. His knowledge with how solar companies work gave me the confidence to know I was going to achieve what I was looking for. I highly recommend Adam, I am so glad I hired him to represent me when nobody else would."

Darshun K. on ContractsCounsel
View Darshun
3.0 (2)
Member Since:
April 28, 2026

Darshun K.

Business Attorney
Lithonia, Georgia
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
University of Georgia School of Law

I am a triple-threat legal and financial strategist with 15+ years of experience navigating complex capital raises, M&A transactions, and regulatory compliance. As the Founder of Kairos Capital Legal Advisors and a Series 65 licensed Investment Adviser Representative, I bridge the gap between sophisticated legal drafting and actionable business guidance. My practice focuses on: - Capital Markets: Drafting and filing complex legal/financial documents for multimillion-dollar capital raises. - M&A Advisory: Guiding mid-market companies through all phases of sell-side mergers and acquisitions. - Strategic Counsel: Providing due diligence and deal structure analysis for private equity and venture capital clients. - Dispute Resolution: Serving as a non-public FINRA arbitrator to resolve high-stakes issuing and investor disputes. Beyond the firm, I serve as a Member of the Georgia House of Representatives (2011–present) and am a published author on private markets. I specialize in translating intricate legal hurdles into high-impact business outcomes.

Fahad J. on ContractsCounsel
View Fahad
Member Since:
April 20, 2026

Fahad J.

Commercial Contracts and M&A Lawyer
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, TX
SMU Dedman School of Law, Magna Cum Laude (Attended on full ride, graduated Top 10%)

Fahad Juneja is a transactional attorney with over 10 years of experience, admitted in California and Texas. His practice covers M&A, commercial contracts, and corporate governance, including drafting and negotiating purchase agreements and related transaction documents, NDAs, collaboration agreements, service agreements, consulting agreements, and other commercial contracts. Fahad began his career in the private equity M&A group of a large law firm (Sidley), then moved in-house to Paramount Pictures, and later advised technology and manufacturing clients at a Bay Area boutique. He now maintains a solo practice, where he supports a primary client and advises fintech and other emerging companies on commercial, corporate, and strategic matters. Fahad's approach emphasizes efficient negotiation, thoughtful drafting, and practical risk allocation. He is available to support M&A transactions, ancillary transaction documents, contract drafting and review, and general corporate matters.

Carver F. on ContractsCounsel
View Carver
Member Since:
April 19, 2026

Carver F.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Silicon Valley, CA
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
UCLA

I'm the principal attorney at FarrowLaw PC, a California business and commercial law firm based in Long Beach. My practice covers transactional work, employment law, litigation, and day-to-day advisory matters for business clients — essentially, I help companies make clear-eyed decisions about risk, contracts, and strategy without the usual legal hedging. Before law, I trained in computer science and worked in-house at technology companies, which gives me a working fluency in how tech businesses actually operate. A significant portion of my practice involves representing tech and startup clients, where that background lets me engage with technical realities rather than abstract them away. If you're working with a client who needs a practical California business lawyer — particularly one who speaks the language of tech — I'd welcome the introduction.

Ricardo J. on ContractsCounsel
View Ricardo
Member Since:
April 22, 2026

Ricardo J.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Miami, FL
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
St. Thomas University College of Law

Ricardo Jerome is a Florida-based attorney and founder of The Jerome Law Firm, PLLC, serving clients throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. His practice focuses on probate and estate administration, estate planning, real estate, business law, immigration, civil litigation, and contract disputes. He is known for providing practical, client-focused solutions and guiding individuals, families, and business owners through complex legal processes with clarity and efficiency. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Mr. Jerome is committed to making legal services accessible to a diverse community while building long-term relationships grounded in trust and results.

Charles A. on ContractsCounsel
View Charles
Member Since:
April 27, 2026

Charles A.

Corporate Counsel (transactional, corporate governance, commercial litigation management, etc.)
Free Consultation
New York
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Seton Hall University School Of Law

Corporate counsel primarily for media, technology, and entertainment sectors. Currently counsel for large corporations, and interested in working with smaller and midsize entities/startups/individuals/creatives. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cappiah)

Antoinette M. on ContractsCounsel
View Antoinette
Member Since:
May 8, 2026

Antoinette M.

Banking and Finance Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, VA
Washington & Lee University

Attorney with a dynamic legal career spanning 20 years, including practice in civil litigation, government, and commercial finance with a reputation for strategic problem-solving, strong advocacy, and delivering practical, results-driven solutions. Experienced in navigating complex disputes, government matters, and structuring financial transactions with professionalism and integrity.

Kendra B. on ContractsCounsel
View Kendra
Member Since:
May 11, 2026

Kendra B.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Stillwater, MN
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
William Mitchell College of Law

My law practice focuses on transactional business law and serving as outside general counsel for small businesses in Minnesota. I provide practical counseling on a range of day-to-day legal matters and prepare contracts tailored to meet your specific business needs.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Business Lawyers
POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL DRAFTING LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Policy And Procedure Manual Drafting Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city