Governance & Compliance

Legal Drafting and Contract Review for Non-Lawyers

Many managers sign or negotiate contracts without legal training. This course teaches non-lawyers how to read and review contracts confidently: contract structure, key clauses, risk allocation, liability and indemnities, termination, dispute resolution, plain drafting techniques and when to involve lawyers.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Missing a risky clause can be very costly. You will learn to spot issues and draft clearly before contracts are signed.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Clause analysis exercises, contract review checklists, drafting practice and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand contract structure and formation
Identify and interpret key clauses
Assess risk allocation, liability and indemnities
Review termination and dispute clauses
Draft clear contract language
Know when to escalate to legal counsel

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Managers and team leaders
Procurement and sales staff
Project managers
Administrative staff handling contracts
Business owners

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Contract reading
Risk identification
Clause interpretation
Drafting
Escalation judgement

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Contract Basics

09:00–10:08Formation and structure
10:08–11:00Types of contracts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Types of contracts (continued)
11:45–12:53Common mistakes
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Key Clauses

09:00–10:08Scope and obligations
10:08–11:00Payment
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Payment (continued)
11:45–12:53Warranties
12:53–14:00Review exercise

Day 3Risk Clauses

09:00–10:08Liability and indemnities
10:08–11:00Insurance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Insurance (continued)
11:45–12:53Force majeure
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Ending Contracts

09:00–10:08Termination
10:08–11:00Disputes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Disputes (continued)
11:45–12:53Governing law
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Drafting

09:00–10:08Plain drafting
10:08–11:00Review checklists
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Review checklists (continued)
11:45–12:53Working with lawyers
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.