Hire a professional to read your contracts or do it yourself?

[jf2010]

Do people generally hire a professional to read over client contracts?

Specifically now I will be working one full time contract and another part time for 2 days. 2 days is with a consultancy company.

I am mainly checking stipulations in the contracts for NDAs, working hours, IP or Conflict of interest

Is this an okay approach, or am I missing some fundamentals? TIA

[PerfectStorm]

Do people generally hire a professional to read over client contracts?

Specifically now I will be working one full time contract and another part time for 2 days. 2 days is with a consultancy company.

I am mainly checking stipulations in the contracts for NDAs, working hours, IP or Conflict of interest

Is this an okay approach, or am I missing some fundamentals? TIA

What about IR35?

Once I'd had a few done, I was able to work out the basic formula and apply it to a couple of contracts that arrived at the 11th hour. Wouldn't want to do it completely inexperienced though.

[Lance]

All a professional will do is read it and flag any legal concerns, or concerns you raise.

that does not negate the necessity for you to read and understand what you are agreeing to.
for example a contract may require you to go to indemnify against losses of multiple millions. A professional may well not flag that as it’s perfectly legal, but that doesn’t mean you can get an insurance policy to cover it, nor does it mean you can afford it.

so read it. And use a professional if you’re unsure of any specifics. It’s your business and you are responsible.

[northernladuk]

What about IR35?

Once I'd had a few done, I was able to work out the basic formula and apply it to a couple of contracts that arrived at the 11th hour. Wouldn't want to do it completely inexperienced though.

This. Sought extra help when I was new and didn't understand but made sure I digested every comment and asked enough questions to get a good general idea of what I am looking at. Most contracts are virtually the same so feel I have enough experience to understand what is in front of me and call out anything I don't understand.

[gixxer2021]

Occasionally I’ll hit something strange or disconcerting in a contract or NDA that I’ve not seen before and then I’ll hire a lawyer, better safe than sorry (but this is rare these days).

I’d always get anything outside IR35 (smaller companies that is) reviewed though (by an ir35 specialist not necessarily lawyer) so you’ve proof of due diligence (this might be ott these days though).