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You can get nearly everything online these days – from the latest tech gadgets to essential business documents. In 2025, the internet offers an even broader array of resources, making it more tempting than ever to simply download what you need.
It’s convenient, quick and cheap (sometimes free!). These are the best words to hear when you’re running a small business or startup.
So why not just download your contracts online?
Why bother spending time and money on a lawyer when you can just download a template, fill in your business name and be good to go?
Honestly, it’s a good question. Sometimes it’s hard to see the value of bespoke legal services for your business straight away.
Don’t get me wrong – there is certainly a time and place for templates. For simple contracts that you’re already very familiar with, using a template from the internet might actually be the smartest thing to do.
In those cases, it makes sense to go for a cheap, quick fix and download a contract template. However, it’s important to ensure that what you’re using is both current and perfectly suited to your specific needs.
You just need to make sure you’re making an informed decision and carefully assessing the risks for your business – after all, the legal landscape continues to evolve.
Before You Download A Contract Template
There are 4 key factors you should consider before downloading a template.
- Legal compliance
- Certainty for your business
- Guidance
- Your time is valuable
Let’s go through each of these to help you decide whether to download a contract template or to invest in a customised solution from a professional, such as our contract drafting service.
1. Legal Compliance
It sounds simple, but what’s the point of a contract if it doesn’t comply with the law? In 2025, regulatory requirements are more detailed than ever. A contract that isn’t fully compliant with current legislation could expose you to significant risks.
Most jurisdictions impose strict requirements on contracts, consumer rights, employment practices and more. If you download a contract online, you can’t always be sure that it’s up to date with the laws in your jurisdiction. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our article on What Makes A Contract Legally Binding.
By speaking to an experienced business lawyer, you can rest assured that your contract complies with current regulations and is perfectly tailored to your business needs.
2. Certainty For Your Business
Let’s take a step back and consider another everyday scenario. When you feel unwell, do you ever rely solely on Google to self-diagnose a medical condition?
Come on, we all do it – it’s quick and free. You might enter your symptoms while waiting for the bus, and Google spits out a possible answer. Easy, right?
Well, yes and no. We all know the trap. Similar symptoms can point to a range of issues, and even if you’re 80% sure it’s just a minor condition, that nagging worry might linger. The only sure way to say you’re in the clear is to see a GP and get a proper diagnosis.
So what does this have to do with your business contracts? Relying on a generic template is a bit like self-diagnosing – you might get it right, but you could also miss a crucial detail that leaves you exposed. For further clarity on the fundamentals of contracts, have a look at our guide on What is a Contract?
An experienced lawyer conducts a thorough review to ensure every clause is exactly right for your unique business scenario, so you can operate with complete certainty.
3. Guidance
Another important factor is the level of guidance you require on how to properly implement the contract. How do you know you’ve downloaded the right type of contract? What happens if a party wishes to terminate it early or fails to meet their payment obligations?
When you work with a lawyer, you not only receive a high-quality legal document but also access to the expertise to clarify any aspect of it. This means you can ask any questions you have—without the worry of being charged extra for every email or phone call. Our fixed-fee approach ensures you get full guidance without surprise costs.
Besides, with the help of advanced tools (and a little AI magic by 2025 standards), you can quickly understand the intricacies of your legal documents. This isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about ensuring your contracts truly protect your business.
4. Your Time Is Valuable
The final point to consider is your time. Even if you’re well-versed in contract details—or even legally trained—ask yourself whether spending hours redrafting a contract is the best use of your time.
As a busy business owner, your expertise is best used on areas where only you can make the difference in your company’s growth. Often, we are asked to review contracts that clients have attempted to patch together themselves, only to find that the review (and potential rewrite) costs nearly as much as if we had started from scratch.
So before you start tinkering with free templates, consider whether your valuable time might be better spent on other critical aspects of your business. For more insight into allocating your time and resources effectively, check out our article on How to Start a Business from Home.
What To Take Away…
Downloading a contract template from the internet may seem like a quick solution, but in many cases it’s not worth the risk.
Speaking to a lawyer who specialises in bespoke legal contracts drafted means you can minimise your legal risks and gain full peace of mind.
It’s a huge burden off your shoulders, and it feels good knowing everything is done right.
Moreover, with the increased complexity of business regulations in 2025, having personalised legal advice is more critical than ever. Investing in quality legal documentation now can save you from costly disputes and the headache of non-compliance later on.
Give it a try for yourself – speak to one of our legal consultants and discover how we can help you with your business’ legal needs!
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