A practical guide to AI contract review

Define the review objective

Contract review may involve an intake assessment, a comparison against a prior draft, a playbook-based review, or preparation of a first draft. Identify the purpose, the relevant commercial context, the governing law, and the person responsible for approval before using AI assistance.

Prepare a complete review set

Include the current draft, schedules, relevant prior versions, instructions, and any negotiated positions available to the reviewer. Missing annexures, undefined commercial assumptions, or an incorrect version can materially change the value of an AI-assisted summary or comparison.

Use AI to organise and focus review

AI can help a reviewer orient themselves in the materials, prepare questions, and identify changes between versions. It should direct attention back to the documents, rather than replace clause-by-clause reading or a legal and commercial risk assessment.

• Check defined terms, cross-references, schedules, and dates.
• Review the full context of every material change.
• Record unresolved issues and the required escalation.

Keep approval human and accountable

Only a suitably authorised legal professional can decide whether the agreement is acceptable for the client or organisation. Verify the final document, applicable law, instructions, and approval record before external use.