Standard terms are a starting position, not a fixed one.

The clauses that matter most — liability, termination, payment — are frequently movable, particularly before the relationship starts.

The moment of maximum leverage

Before a contract is signed, both sides want the deal. After it is signed, only one side needs anything. That is why the period before signature is the only time you will negotiate from strength — and why “we’ll sort it out later” is rarely true.

What we do with the other side's paper

When a counterparty sends their standard terms, we mark it up and give you three things: what is genuinely unacceptable, what is negotiable and worth pushing on, and what is unattractive but survivable.

That distinction matters. A business that objects to everything loses credibility and slows the deal. A business that objects to the right three clauses usually gets them.

Where we normally push

Uncapped liability, or caps set far above your insurance cover
Broad indemnities, particularly for third-party claims
One-sided termination rights
Payment terms that damage your cash position
Automatic renewal with long notice periods
Intellectual property assignment where a licence would do
Exclusivity without minimum commitments

Negotiating directly

Some clients prefer to hold the commercial relationship themselves and use us in the background. Others would rather we deal with the counterparty’s legal team directly, which keeps the commercial conversation warm while the legal one is conducted separately. Either works.

What this covers

Mark-up of counterparty terms
Ranked assessment: unacceptable, negotiable, survivable
Negotiation strategy and fallback positions
Direct negotiation with the other side
Renewal and renegotiation of existing contracts
Escalation and deadlock advice

In detail

How we help.

Mark-up

Their paper reviewed and annotated, with a clear view on which points are worth fighting for.

Direct negotiation

We deal with the counterparty's advisers so your commercial relationship stays clean.

Renewals

Existing agreements renegotiated at the point where you have leverage again.

FAQ

Common questions.

Will negotiating make us look difficult?

Focused, well-reasoned objections to a small number of clauses read as competence, not obstruction. Objecting to everything is what damages a relationship.

The other side says their terms are non-negotiable. Are they?

Sometimes genuinely, more often not. Even where the main terms are fixed, a side letter or a limited variation is frequently available.

How quickly can you turn a mark-up around?

Usually within three to five working days, and faster where a deadline requires it.

Can you negotiate in Italian?

Yes. Where the counterparty is Italian-speaking we can conduct the negotiation in Italian while the agreement itself remains governed by English law.

Contract Management

The full practice area this sits within.

Contract Analysis

A related service in the same area.

Contract Drafting

A related service in the same area.

Get in touch

Tell us what you are dealing with.

Email

info@newvisionlegalsupport.com

Telephone

07534636866

Office

London, United Kingdom