We draft and review agreements, notices, policies and written legal opinions for businesses, individuals, boards and banks.
Overview
Legal drafting is the writing of legal documents: contracts, deeds, notices, policies and similar papers. Opinion writing is the preparation of a written view on a legal question, which you can use to decide what to do or to show to others, such as a bank or a board.
The quality of a legal document shows up when something goes wrong. Precise wording about who must do what, by when and on what terms is what allows an agreement to be relied on. Imprecise wording is what leads to disagreement about its meaning.
Some documents also have formal requirements, such as how they are signed, witnessed or registered, and getting these wrong can affect their effect. We check what applies to your document.
We write in plain English where the document allows, and we explain the key terms to you so that you understand what you are signing. If a point is unclear, we say so.
Who we help
- Businesses that need contracts, policies or notices prepared or reviewed.
- Individuals who need a deed, agreement or letter drafted accurately.
- Boards, banks or investors who require a written legal opinion.
- In-house counsel who need extra drafting capacity.
How we work
- We confirm what the document or opinion is for and who will rely on it.
- We gather the facts and documents we need, and ask questions where something is unclear.
- We agree the scope and fee approach, including alternative fee arrangements where suitable.
- We deliver a draft, explain the key points, and revise it with you.
What to bring to a first conversation
Tell us what the document has to achieve and who will rely on it. For an agreement, bring the commercial terms agreed so far, the parties’ details and any earlier drafts or term sheets. For an opinion, set out the question you need answered, the facts, and the documents you want us to consider. A clear question and a deadline help us give a focused answer in the form you need, from a short memo to a fuller written opinion. Where an opinion turns on current law, we state our assumptions.
Typical work
Commercial agreement and standard terms, drafted
Read the related questionContract review notes before signature
Read the related questionWritten legal opinion on a specific question
Read the related questionLegal notice or formal letter
Read the related questionCompany or internal policy
Read the related question
How a document is usually drafted
The steps are the same whether it is a contract, a notice or a policy.
Share the facts and your aim
You tell us what is agreed or needed, and any deadline.
Confirm scope and fee
We agree what we will produce and the fee approach in writing.
First draft
We prepare a draft in clear language, with notes on key terms.
Review and changes
You comment, and we revise. If the other side replies, we deal with their changes.
Final version and signing
We prepare the final document and explain any formalities for signing.
A legal opinion and legal advice compared
| Compared on | Legal advice | Written legal opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Helps you decide what to do | States the law on a specific question |
| Form | Conversation, email or short note | Formal written document with reasoning |
| Who may rely on it | You, the client | Usually the client, and others named in it |
| Detail | Practical and focused on your next step | Sets out facts, assumptions and conclusion |
Frequently asked questions
Information on this website is general in nature and is not legal advice. Anything that depends on the law is marked until a lawyer has checked it.
What is a legal opinion?
A legal opinion is a written statement of a lawyer’s view on a legal question, based on the facts and documents provided. It explains the issue, the reasoning and the conclusion, so you can make a decision. It reflects the law and facts at the time it is written.
When do I need a written legal opinion?
A written opinion is useful when a decision turns on a legal question, such as a major deal, a dispute, a regulatory step, or a request from a bank or investor. You do not always need one. A short conversation can show whether a written opinion is worth the cost.
What information does a lawyer need to draft an agreement?
We need to know who the parties are, what each will do, the price and payment dates, how long it runs and how it can end. Share any earlier emails or drafts, and tell us your concerns. The clearer the facts, the quicker and more accurate the draft will be.
Can I use a template contract?
You can, but a template may not fit your situation or the law that applies. It can miss clauses you need or include terms that work against you. If you use one, have a lawyer check it against your facts before you rely on it.
How long does it take to draft an agreement?
A short, standard agreement can be drafted quickly. A longer or negotiated one takes more time, especially if both sides suggest changes. We give an estimate when you share the details. Sending complete facts and your deadline at the start helps us plan.
What is the difference between an opinion and advice?
Advice tells you what to do in your situation, often in conversation or a short note. An opinion is a more formal written statement of the law on a specific question, with reasoning, that others such as a bank or board may rely on. The two can overlap.
Can a lawyer review a contract I have already received?
Yes. We can read it, explain it in plain English, point out risks and unclear terms, and suggest changes before you sign. Send it as early as possible with your deadline. If you have already signed, we can still explain your position and your options.
How is drafting work charged?
The firm offers alternative fee arrangements, which aim to give predictable costs. For drafting, we agree the scope and fee in writing before we begin, so you know what the work covers and what it will cost. Ask us about this when you first get in touch.
What should I check before I sign?
Check the names of the parties, what you must do and by when, the price and payment terms, and how you can end the agreement. Look for clauses limiting responsibility or penalising delay. If anything is unclear, ask for it in writing before signing.
Glossary
- Legal opinion
- A lawyer’s written view on a legal question, based on stated facts and documents.
- Draft
- A version of a document still open to changes before it is final and signed.
- Clause
- A numbered part of a contract dealing with one subject, such as payment or termination.
- Deed
- A formal written document that may need special steps to sign or register.
- Legal notice
- A formal written communication that states a claim or demand and often asks for a response by a date.
- Assumption
- A fact an opinion treats as true without checking. If it is wrong, the opinion may change.
- Terms and conditions
- Standard terms that apply to everyone who buys a service or uses a product.
Sources
Official bodies named for reference. Check the current text of any law with the body itself or with a lawyer.
- Contract Act, 1872The long-standing law on contracts in Pakistan. Check the current text.
- Registration Act, 1908Covers the registration of certain documents. Check the current text.
- Pakistan Code (Ministry of Law and Justice)Official federal law database.
Questions about your own matter? Send us a message.
General information. Not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
How we write and check this content: editorial policy.
Information on this website is general in nature and is not legal advice.