Contract Lawyers in London
Protect your business interests with top-notch contract solicitors. Our fees for drafting start from £1,000 and contract reviews from £800.
Lana James
Contract Team
Contract Solicitors
A well-drafted contract is the foundation of any successful commercial relationship. At Freeman Harris, our contract lawyers help individuals, start-ups, SMEs, and international companies put clear, enforceable agreements in place that protect their interests and let business run smoothly.
From our offices in Chancery Lane and Greenwich, we combine sharp legal expertise with a commercially minded approach, so your contracts work in the real world, not just on paper. For straightforward agreements, we offer fixed fees, giving you certainty over cost before any work begins.
You can contact us to discuss your contracts, and we will advise on the best possible route to take as well as our fixed fees. Our aim is to provide you with a contract that works for your business needs.
Our contract services
Collaboration Agreements
Collaboration agreements are used when two or more parties work together on a project or business venture without forming a separate legal entity. We make sure responsibilities, intellectual property ownership, revenue sharing, and exit terms are clearly defined from the very start. This avoids confusion later and protects each party if the relationship changes or comes to an end.
Confidentiality Agreements (NDA)
Non-disclosure agreements protect sensitive business information shared during negotiations or ongoing commercial relationships. We draft both one-way and mutual NDAs, tailored to the specific transaction and covering scope, duration, and the remedies available if a breach occurs. Whether you are exploring a new partnership or sharing trade secrets with a supplier, a properly drafted NDA gives you confidence that your information stays protected.
Franchise Agreement
Franchise agreements set out the relationship between franchisor and franchisee, covering territory, fees, brand standards, and the circumstances in which the agreement can be ended. We advise franchisors looking to expand their network, as well as franchisees who want clear advice on what they are signing before they commit. Getting these terms right protects your investment and reduces the risk of disputes down the line.
Supply of Goods and Services
Terms and conditions for the supply of goods or services sit at the heart of most commercial relationships. We draft bespoke agreements or review your existing standard terms to make sure liability is properly allocated and your business is protected if something goes wrong. Clear supply terms help you get paid on time, manage expectations, and limit your exposure when problems arise.
Licensing Agreements
Intellectual property licences allow you to grant or receive rights to use software, brands, technology, or creative works. We advise on the scope of the licence, exclusivity, sub-licensing rights, royalties, and termination, so the arrangement is fair and commercially sensible. Whether you are licensing your own IP or taking a licence from another party, we make sure the terms reflect what you have actually agreed.
Influencer Agreements
Influencer agreements cover brand partnerships, sponsored content, and marketing campaigns. We address content approval, exclusivity, usage rights, payment terms, and compliance with ASA guidelines, protecting both brands and creators. With social media collaborations now a major part of many marketing strategies, a clear agreement keeps everyone aligned and reduces the risk of costly misunderstandings.
Agency and Distribution Agreements
Agency and distribution agreements govern how a product or service is sold or represented through a third party. We advise on the scope of authority, exclusivity, territory, commission structures, and termination rights, ensuring both principal and agent understand their obligations before the relationship begins.
Joint Venture Agreements
Joint ventures allow two or more businesses to pursue a shared commercial goal while keeping their separate identities. We draft the agreement to cover contributions, decision-making, profit sharing, IP ownership, and the mechanism for ending the venture, so there is no ambiguity about how the arrangement works if circumstances change.
Partnership Agreements
A partnership agreement sets out how a business partnership is run, how profits and losses are shared, what each partner can and cannot do, and what happens when a partner leaves or the partnership dissolves. Without a written agreement, the Partnership Act 1890 applies by default, which rarely reflects what partners have actually agreed.
Software and Technology Contracts
Software and technology contracts cover development agreements, SaaS terms, IT service agreements, and technology licensing. We advise on IP ownership, liability for downtime or defects, data protection obligations, and exit provisions, ensuring your technology arrangements are on terms that protect your business if delivery or performance falls short.
Contract Review and Negotiation
Not every instruction involves drafting from scratch. Often, a contract arrives from the other side and you need to understand exactly what you are agreeing to and where the risks lie. Our contract lawyers review the terms, identify unfair or one-sided clauses, and advise you on what is reasonable and what is negotiable. We then help you reach terms that protect your interests, without unnecessarily derailing the deal or souring the relationship. The result is an agreement you can sign with confidence.
Why Choose Freeman Harris as Your Contract Lawyers?
- Commercial focus. We understand that a contract needs to work in practice, not just in court. We draft agreements that are clear, practical, and proportionate to the deal in front of you.
Breadth of experience. We have advised individuals, start-ups, SMEs, and international businesses on contracts across a wide range of sectors, giving us a real feel for what works and what to watch out for. - Fixed fees where possible. For straightforward drafting instructions, we offer fixed fees so you know what you are paying before we begin.
- A full-service firm. Our commercial team works closely with our intellectual property and dispute resolution colleagues. If a contract issue or dispute arises, you do not need to instruct a separate firm, everything stays under one roof.
- Based in London. With offices in Chancery Lane (EC4) and Greenwich, we are well placed to support businesses across the capital and beyond.
How We Work With You
We keep the process clear and efficient from first contact to final signature.
- Initial call – We discuss your requirements and provide a fee estimate, often on the same call, so you know where you stand from the outset.
- First draft – For most standard commercial contracts, we can produce a first draft quickly once we have your instructions. We do not need lengthy briefings for routine agreements we have handled many times before.
- Review and refine – We talk through the draft with you, answer your questions, and make any amendments. Most contracts reach a final agreed version within two to three rounds.
- Execution – We advise on signing formalities and, where needed, can assist with witnessing or registration, so your agreement is properly completed.
For more information about our team, see our about us page, or to speak with a member of our skilled and friendly team by getting in touch today.
Contract Team
Ian Freeman
Managing DirectorIan has a great understanding of contract drafting especially for commercial purposes, and can assist SME’s with their legal needs.Talha Fazlani
LitigatorTalha Fazlani Talha has been working as a Paralegal assisting a range of departments with their research, drafting and correspondence.
Contract Law FAQs
- What is the difference between a contract lawyer and a commercial solicitor?
The terms are often used interchangeably. In England and Wales, all lawyers who draft commercial contracts are regulated solicitors. “Contract lawyer” and “contract solicitor” refer to the same qualified professionals.
- Do I need a lawyer to draft a contract?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but a poorly drafted contract can cost far more to resolve than the original legal fee. For low-value, low-risk arrangements, a good template may suffice. For anything significant such as a new business relationship, a licensing deal, a franchise arrangement, professional drafting protects you if things go wrong.
- How long does it take to draft a contract?
For a straightforward commercial services agreement, we can typically produce a first draft within a few working days. More complex contracts take longer depending on the negotiation required.
- Can you review a contract someone else has drafted?
Yes. Contract review is one of our most common instructions. We identify unfavourable or unusual clauses, advise on the risks, and suggest amendments.
- What should a commercial contract include?
Every commercial contract should clearly define what is being supplied, the price, how and when payment is made, what happens if something goes wrong, how the contract ends, and which law governs the agreement. IP ownership, confidentiality, data protection, and liability caps are also important depending on the nature of the deal.
- Can a contract be enforced if it is not signed?
Potentially, yes. An unsigned contract can still be binding if both parties have acted on it. This is exactly why it is important to understand what you are agreeing to before any work begins, not just before you sign.
Contact our Contract team
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