Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice or take on cases. This page is a general guide.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. For self-complete documents, see our legal templates.
Last updated 13 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Key points
- There is no general rule that you must have a solicitor review a contract before you sign, but it is sensible to get one to look at any contract that is high-value, long-term or hard to exit.
- Check the clauses that carry most risk: liability, termination, intellectual property, restrictions on working elsewhere, confidentiality and governing law.
- Employers must give new employees written core terms within five days of starting and a fuller statement within one month.
- Most claims for breach of contract must be brought within six years of the breach.
Before you sign any contract in Ireland, having it reviewed by a qualified Irish solicitor is one of the most important legal steps you can take. Contracts are written to protect the interests of the party who drafted them — without professional review, you may be committing to obligations you don’t fully understand or accepting terms that put you at significant risk. Our Contract Review Solicitor service lets you upload any document and receive a thorough, professional legal review at a set price.
What Types of Contracts Can a Solicitor Review?
- Employment contracts: Before accepting a new role — checking non-competes, IP clauses, and notice periods
- Commercial contracts: Supply agreements, service contracts, and business-to-business arrangements
- Settlement agreements: Redundancy and termination packages
- Property contracts: Contracts for sale, licence agreements, and lease reviews
- Business purchase agreements: Asset or share sales
- Franchise agreements: Before entering a franchise arrangement
- Shareholder agreements: Co-founder and investor agreements
- Technology and SaaS agreements: Software licensing and service-level agreements
- Supplier and vendor agreements: Terms imposed by large suppliers or clients
What Does the Review Include?
When you instruct a solicitor to review your contract, they would typically:
- Review the full contract and identify unfavourable or unusual clauses
- Explain the key terms and obligations in plain, jargon-free language
- Flag clauses that create significant legal or financial risk
- Advise on whether the terms are standard or negotiable
- Recommend specific amendments or deletions where appropriate
- Provide a written summary of key risks and recommended actions
Key Clauses We Always Check
- Limitation of liability: Are the caps appropriate? Are consequential losses excluded?
- Intellectual property: Who owns the work product, ideas, and developments?
- Non-compete and non-solicitation: Are the restrictions enforceable and proportionate under Irish law?
- Termination: Can you exit the contract? On what terms?
- Governing law: Is Irish law specified?
- Confidentiality: Are the obligations reasonable in scope and duration?
What to Check Before You Sign a Contract in Ireland
Read the whole document, including schedules and any terms it refers to. Make sure names, dates, prices and payment terms match what was agreed, and ask for anything agreed verbally to be written in. Do not sign until you understand how you can end the contract and what it costs to do so.
Employment contracts
Under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, as amended, an employer must give a new employee written core terms (such as pay, place of work and hours) within five days of starting, and a fuller written statement of terms within one month. If a contract you are asked to sign contains restrictions on working elsewhere, compare it with the statement you were given. See our redundancy rights guide if the contract relates to a termination package.
Consumer contracts and unfair terms
If you are a consumer, a term that is unfair can be treated as invalid and not enforced against you. Terms should be in clear language, and ambiguous terms are read in the consumer’s favour. Business-to-business contracts are generally enforced as written, so read them carefully before signing.
Time limits if a contract goes wrong
An action founded on simple contract generally cannot be brought after six years from the date the cause of action accrued (section 11 of the Statute of Limitations 1957). For smaller disputes, see our guide to the small claims court. If you are setting up a business and need to understand the company structure behind a contract, see how to register a company in Ireland.
How It Works
- Gather your documents — Collect the full contract and brief details of the context
- Solicitor review — Choose a regulated solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory
- Written report — Ask the solicitor for a clear written review identifying key clauses, risks, and recommended changes
- Follow-up support — A solicitor you instruct can assist with negotiating amendments if needed
Why Choose Online Legal Services for Contract Review in Ireland?
- Fees: Ask any solicitor you approach to explain their fees in writing before you instruct them
- Ask the solicitor you choose how they will report back to you
- Plain English advice: Our guides explain common contract terms in plain English (general information only)
- solicitor from the Law Society of Ireland directory: Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
See our dedicated Contract Review service page for full details. Need a contract drafted instead? See our Business Terms of Trade or NDA service. Read our guide to a 30-minute consultation with a solicitor of your choice to discuss your contract today.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor to review a contract in Ireland?
There is no general rule that you must, but it is sensible to take advice on contracts that are high-value, long-term or difficult to exit. To find a regulated solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, or join our no-fee waiting list.
How long do I have to bring a claim for breach of contract?
Generally six years from the date the cause of action accrued, under section 11 of the Statute of Limitations 1957. Some claims have shorter limits, so check promptly.
When must my employer give me a written contract?
Core terms must be provided within five days of starting work, and a fuller written statement within one month, under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 as amended.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related services
- NDA / Confidentiality Agreement
- Employment Law Solicitor Ireland
- Cease & Desist Letter
- Online Solicitor Consultation
- Solicitor Fees in Ireland