DIY Contracts vs Solicitor: When You Need a Lawyer

When DIY Contracts Are Fine

For straightforward, low-risk agreements, a well-researched template adapted to your needs is often sufficient. The key is understanding the limits of DIY and being honest about your knowledge of the relevant law. If the contract value is low and the consequences of getting it wrong are manageable, DIY can be pragmatic.

• Simple freelancer agreements for small projects under £5,000
• Basic NDAs for standard business discussions where the information is not highly sensitive
• Standard terms of business based on a reputable industry template
• Internal policies and procedures such as employee handbooks and acceptable use policies

When You Need a Solicitor

Some contracts carry enough risk that professional drafting is essential. The cost of a solicitor is almost always less than the cost of a poorly drafted contract that fails when you need it most. For high-value or complex arrangements, legal advice is an investment, not an expense.

• Partnership and shareholders' agreements where personal relationships and significant assets are at stake
• Employment contracts for senior hires with complex remuneration packages or restrictive covenants
• High-value commercial contracts, typically above £25,000 in value
• Any contract involving regulatory compliance, such as financial services, healthcare, or data processing

Getting the Best Value from Legal Advice

If you do engage a solicitor, preparation can significantly reduce costs. Many small businesses waste money on legal fees because they arrive without clear instructions or expect the solicitor to design the commercial terms. Solicitors draft legal terms — you should decide the commercial ones.

• Prepare a clear brief: who the parties are, what the deal is, and what you want to achieve
• Agree the commercial terms (price, scope, duration) before involving the solicitor
• Ask for a fixed fee quote rather than hourly billing for standard documents
• Request a template you can reuse for similar future contracts, amortising the cost over multiple engagements

Key Takeaways

• DIY contracts are appropriate for low-value, low-risk agreements where reputable templates are available.
• Solicitor-drafted contracts are essential for partnerships, senior hires, high-value deals, and regulated activities.
• Preparing clear commercial terms before engaging a solicitor significantly reduces legal costs.