This practical course is specifically designed for business professionals without legal training who need to create, review, or manage contracts as part of their job responsibilities. Participants will learn the fundamental principles of contract drafting in an accessible, non-technical manner, focusing on creating clear, effective agreements that serve business purposes while minimizing legal risks. The course covers essential contract components, common clause types, and practical drafting techniques that non-lawyers can confidently apply in their daily work. Through step-by-step guidance and hands-on exercises, learners will develop the skills needed to draft basic contracts, understand contractual language, and know when to seek legal assistance.
Contract Drafting for Non-Lawyers
Legal and Contracts Management
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
This course enables non-legal professionals to:
- Understand basic contract structure and essential elements
- Draft clear and effective business agreements
- Identify and include key contractual provisions
- Use plain language in contract drafting
- Recognize common drafting pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Review and interpret contracts with confidence
- Understand when to involve legal professionals
- Customize standard contract templates appropriately
- Communicate effectively with legal counsel about contracts
Target Audience
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Project managers and team leaders
- Sales and business development professionals
- Administrative and operations managers
- Procurement and purchasing staff
- Startup founders and small business operators
- Non-profit organization managers
- Professionals who work with standard form contracts
Methodology
- Step-by-step contract drafting workshops
- Template customization exercises
- Case studies of common business contracts
- Group review sessions of sample agreements
- Individual drafting assignments with feedback
- Role-playing client and contractor scenarios
- Practical checklist development for contract review
Personal Impact
- Increased confidence in handling business contracts
- Enhanced ability to draft clear and effective agreements
- Improved understanding of contractual risk management
- Better communication with legal professionals
- Stronger negotiation skills through better drafting
- Reduced dependence on external legal resources for basic contracts
Organizational Impact
- Faster contract preparation for routine agreements
- Reduced legal costs for standard contract drafting
- Improved contract clarity and understanding
- Better risk management in business agreements
- Enhanced efficiency in business operations
- Stronger internal capabilities for contract management
Course Outline
Unit 1: Contract Basics for Business
Section 1.1: Fundamental Concepts- What makes a contract legally binding
- Essential elements of a valid contract
- Common contract types and their purposes
- Understanding offer, acceptance, and consideration
- When written contracts are necessary
Unit 2: Contract Structure and Organization
Section 2.1: Document Layout- Standard contract sections and their order
- Headers, titles, and introductory language
- Defining terms and concepts clearly
- Organizing content for clarity and readability
- Using schedules and appendices effectively
Unit 3: Key Business Provisions
Section 3.1: Essential Clauses- Clearly defining parties and their roles
- Scope of work and deliverables description
- Payment terms and pricing structures
- Timeframes and deadlines
- Quality standards and acceptance criteria
Unit 4: Risk Management Clauses
Section 4.1: Protecting Interests- Limitations of liability and caps
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions
- Termination rights and procedures
- Warranties and guarantees
- Force majeure and unexpected events
Unit 5: Working with Templates
Section 5.1: Template Management- Selecting appropriate contract templates
- Customizing templates for specific needs
- Filling in blanks and variables correctly
- Identifying and removing inappropriate clauses
- Creating your own template library
Unit 6: Review and Finalization
Section 6.1: Completion Process- Proofreading and error checking
- Ensuring consistency throughout the document
- Final review checklist for non-lawyers
- Execution and signing procedures
- Ongoing contract management basics
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