Contracts are part of everyday operations—until they suddenly become the problem. A landlord points to a termination clause you never noticed. A supplier raises prices under an escalation provision. An insurer denies coverage based on a definition buried in the policy. In many cases, those surprises are avoidable with a periodic contract checkup.
At Triscaro & Associates, we help Cleveland-area businesses review and update agreements to reflect current operations, current leverage, and current law. The goal is straightforward: reduce risk, prevent disputes, and put your business in a stronger position before issues arise.
Common Business Contracts Worth Reviewing
Most companies use some combination of these agreements:
- Commercial leases and amendments
- Vendor and supply contracts (pricing, delivery, quality, returns)
- Customer terms (invoices, purchase orders, terms & conditions)
- Employment agreements, handbooks, and key policies
- Independent contractor agreements
- Confidentiality / NDA and non-solicitation provisions
- Software/SaaS agreements and data/security addendums
- Insurance policies and endorsements
Why “Set It and Forget It” Can Be Costly
Businesses change over time—ownership structures, locations, staffing, vendors, pricing, and risk tolerance. Meanwhile, the contract may still reflect the world as it existed years ago. A review can also uncover benefits you’re already entitled to (for example, renewal rights, purchase options, audit rights, or favorable notice provisions).
Key Items to Check When Updating Contracts
Here are practical issues we often address during a contract review:
- Correct parties and authority: Are the named entities accurate after mergers, new LLCs, or ownership changes?
- Term, renewal, and deadlines: Are there auto-renewals, notice windows, or “evergreen” provisions that create risk?
- Termination rights: Can the other side terminate “for convenience” or impose changes that disrupt your operations?
- Pricing and adjustments: Are there escalation clauses, minimums, fuel/material surcharges, or outdated pricing?
- Scope and deliverables: Do the statements of work match what you actually do today?
- Liability and indemnification: Are the risk-shifting provisions reasonable (and insurable)?
- Insurance requirements: Do the policy limits, additional insured terms, and proof requirements match your current coverage?
- Dispute resolution and venue: Where will disputes be handled—Ohio courts, arbitration, another state?
- Confidentiality and IP: Who owns work product, inventions, and customer lists?
- Assignment and subcontracting: Can the other side assign the contract to someone you didn’t choose?
- Notice provisions: Are you required to send notices a specific way to preserve rights?
Quick Contract Checkup Checklist
- Identify your “top 10” most important contracts (revenue drivers, key vendors, and your lease).
- Confirm renewal/termination dates on a calendar with reminders.
- Ensure the contract names the correct entity and signing authority.
- Review pricing terms and make sure you understand what can change and when.
- Look for termination, auto-renewal, and notice clauses that could surprise you.
- Update templates (invoices, purchase orders, proposals) so your standard terms match your current goals.
When to Schedule a Review
Consider a contract review when your business is growing, hiring, changing vendors, expanding locations, adopting new technology, or experiencing disputes—or simply as part of an annual legal “maintenance” plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a business review its contracts?
Many companies benefit from a periodic checkup (often annually) and also when major changes occur—new locations, significant hiring, pricing volatility, or a dispute. The best cadence depends on your industry and contract volume.
Which agreements should I prioritize first?
Start with contracts that drive revenue or could disrupt operations: your lease, key vendor/supplier contracts, customer terms, employment/contractor agreements, and insurance policies.
What if our contract expired but we kept doing business?
Continuing performance can create ambiguity about what terms apply. A written update can clarify pricing, scope, term, and termination rights—reducing the risk of costly misunderstandings.
Can you help renegotiate existing contracts?
Yes. If your bargaining position has improved—or if the agreement no longer fits your business—we can help identify leverage points, propose revisions, and negotiate updated terms.
Do you review standard templates and “fine print” terms?
Absolutely. Invoice terms, purchase orders, proposals, and online terms can carry significant risk and often become the default rules in a dispute.
Need a business contract review in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio?
Call 440.248.8811 or
contact Triscaro & Associates to schedule a consultation.
You can also learn more about our Business Law and Business Litigation services.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.