This paper provides tips and considerations for drafting and negotiating contracts and other legal documents. The discussion includes suggestions for betting understanding a client’s needs and wishes, including key questions to ask clients about their business and their future plans. As well, tips for building rapport and negotiating with opposing counsel are provided, including suggestions for dealing with situations where the opposing party is unrepresented. Finally, strategies for drafting documents, or reviewing documents drafted by the other side, are also discussed.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Contract Review and Clause Negotiation seminar held in Edmonton on February 15, 2017 and in Calgary on February 23, 2017.