1. "We never signed anything, so there's no contract"
A contract needs offer, acceptance, consideration and intention — not a signature. Emails, quotes, purchase orders and simply starting work can make a binding contract. The signature myth cuts both ways: it also means you may already be bound by terms you never read.
2. "It's just a standard contract"
There is no such thing. "Standard" means "drafted by the other side's solicitor for the other side's benefit". The clauses that hurt — limitation of liability, indemnities, termination — are precisely the ones "standard" documents settle in their author's favour.
3. "A handshake with a good customer is worth more than paperwork"
Until the good customer sells the company, hires a new finance director, or hits cash-flow trouble. Written terms are not an insult to the relationship; they are what preserves it when circumstances change.
4. "We can sort out the details later"
Agreements to agree are generally unenforceable. If price, scope or timing is left "to be agreed", you may have no contract at all on the points that matter most — or a court may fill the gaps in a way neither side wanted. Heads of terms done properly solve this.
5. "Suing isn't worth it, so contracts don't matter"
Most contract value is never tested in court. A clear contract gets invoices paid without argument, keeps scope creep priced, and makes the other side's solicitor advise them to settle. The document is leverage long before it is evidence.
Recognise your business in any of these? Start with a fixed-fee contract review or call 01 5827148.
How our fees work
You get a fixed quote in writing before any work starts — no hourly-rate surprises and no meter running while you think. If the scope changes, the quote is revised in writing before we continue. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. How contract solicitor fees work in Ireland →