Contract Drafting Services in Ireland
Contract drafting is the work of putting an agreement into writing so that it says what the parties intend and can be relied on if something goes wrong. In Ireland, this covers everything from a one-page letter of engagement to a shareholders' agreement, a commercial lease, or a set of terms and conditions for an online shop. A solicitor or barrister drafts the document, but the instructions come from you: the deal, the parties, the money, the timeline, and what should happen if someone breaks their word. You can post your task on ShamFix and describe the agreement you need. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it. You can also browse provider profiles by county and contact them directly. The person drafting will usually ask for a letter of engagement setting out the scope, the fee, and what is not included before any drafting begins.
What shapes the price of contract drafting
- Fees for contract drafting in Ireland are usually quoted as a fixed fee per document, an hourly rate, or a brief fee for a barrister's opinion.
- A fixed fee suits a standard document such as an employment contract or a residential tenancy agreement where the terms are known.
- Hourly rates apply where the draft is negotiated back and forth, or where the instructions are incomplete and the drafter has to chase details.
- What is not included matters as much as the headline figure: VAT, company searches, stamp duty, filing fees, and any negotiation with the other side's solicitor are often separate.
- A short telephone call to clarify instructions may be included, but a full review of a counter-draft is usually not.
- Ask for the letter of engagement to list every exclusion in writing before you commit.
How long contract drafting takes
A straightforward contract can be drafted within a few working days once the drafter has clear instructions. A shareholders' agreement, a commercial lease, or a bespoke set of terms and conditions may take two to four weeks because it needs more detail and sometimes a company search. The timeline stretches when instructions arrive in pieces, when the other side is slow to return comments, when a third party such as a bank or a landlord must approve wording, or when the agreement depends on a structure that has not yet been decided. If you need the document for a specific date, say so at the start and ask the drafter to confirm in writing whether that date can be met.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Ask which professional body they are a member of, and ask for a letter of engagement before any work starts.
- 02The letter should name the person doing the drafting, the agreed fee or hourly rate, the scope of the document, and what happens if the instructions change.
- 03Ask whether the fee covers amendments or only the first draft.
- 04Ask how they will send the document and whether they will explain the clauses in plain English.
- 05Ask what happens if the other side proposes changes after the draft is issued.
- 06Ask whether they hold professional indemnity insurance.
- 07You can also ask for a sample of a similar agreement with the names removed, so you can see how they write.
Contract drafting guides
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Contract drafting questions people ask
Do I need a solicitor to draft a contract in Ireland?
No, but a solicitor or barrister is trained to draft terms that hold up if the agreement is tested. You can write a simple contract yourself, yet the risk is that a clause is ambiguous or unenforceable. For anything involving land, shares, employment, or significant money, professional drafting is usually the safer choice.
What is the difference between a contract and a letter of engagement?
A letter of engagement is the contract between you and the professional, setting out the scope, fee, and what is excluded. The contract you need drafted is the agreement between you and the other party. They are separate documents. Ask for the letter of engagement first, so you know exactly what the drafting fee covers before work begins.
Can a contract be drafted for a one-off sale of goods?
Yes. A one-off sale can be covered by a short written agreement or a set of terms and conditions attached to an invoice. The drafter will want to know the goods, the price, the delivery date, and what happens if the goods are faulty or the buyer does not pay. Even a short document reduces confusion later.
What should I check before signing a contract drafted for me?
Read every clause and ask for an explanation of any term you do not understand. Check that the names, addresses, dates, and amounts are correct. Confirm that the document covers what happens if either side wants to end the agreement. Ask whether any clause is unusual for this type of deal. If something feels wrong, raise it before you sign.
How much does contract drafting cost in Ireland?
There is no single figure. A fixed fee for a standard document may be quoted, while bespoke or negotiated contracts are often charged by the hour. The fee depends on the complexity, the number of parties, and whether the other side will propose changes. Ask for a written estimate and confirm what is not included, such as VAT or negotiation.
Can I use a template I found online instead of hiring a drafter?
You can, but a template may not fit Irish law or your specific deal. Templates often miss clauses about jurisdiction, termination, or liability that matter if a dispute arises. A drafter can adapt a template to your facts and explain the risks. If the agreement involves land, shares, or employment, a template alone is rarely enough.
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