Contract Insights

We hear about contracts all the time. They power business relationships across sectors, industries, and nations. Individuals, businesses, and societies at large use contracts to fulfill wishes and needs. Contracts keep our world moving.

Contracts are legally binding agreements that define and govern the exchange of goods or services. A contract’s journey – from creation to fulfillment and completion – is complex and leaves room for errors and oversights. As such, a process has been generally agreed upon for the handling of contracts. This process is referred to as contract management.

But what is contract management, and how can it be approached? Here’s what you need to know.

Navigating your CLM Platform can be difficult if you aren't equipped with a thorough understanding of the contract lifecycle.  The contract lifecycle is the process under which a contract is authored, reviewed, sent for signature, executed, and - possibly – renewed.  The "lifecycle" is an archetype used to characterize and understand a contract's complex growth.  The lifecycle voyage begins with contract requests and ends when said requests are achieved – with the feasibility of contract renewal.  With so many complex processes involved in contract lifecycle management, it can be easy to sail toward the treacherous waters of contract mismanagement.  With a strong sense of how to leverage leading CLM software, however, you can quickly get your legal operations sea legs!  Read on to learn how you can set sail toward better contract management.

Over the last year, our clients - legal professionals - have expressed their seemingly increased workload for reviewing contract documents, negotiating agreements, and signing contracts.  Recently, I was asked: "When do you know it is time to hire a full-time legal professional for contract management and legal review?" Considering the innumerable times I've been asked this question, I resolved to write a thorough and thoughtful response as a blog that aligns with our audience of contract management software users and prospective CLM users as well.  Discover 5 steps to determine if you need to hire a full-time legal reviewer or paralegal.