A contract can look straightforward until a supplier misses a deadline, a customer refuses payment or a business relationship ends unexpectedly. The details you agreed to months earlier can suddenly become the most important part of the deal.
At Summit Legal Services, Founder and Principal Solicitor Sumita Dass brings over 20 years of legal experience, including senior in-house roles across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Based in Mount Waverley, Sumita helps businesses draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts with a practical understanding of how agreements affect everyday operations.
Her focus is on helping you understand what you are signing, where the risks sit and what can be negotiated before you commit.
Commercial contract advisory is legal guidance for businesses entering, reviewing or changing agreements with customers, suppliers, contractors and other organisations. It includes preparing contracts, identifying legal and financial risks, negotiating terms and helping businesses understand their obligations.
The purpose is to make sure your agreements reflect what was actually negotiated and provide a workable framework if something goes wrong.
Having worked in senior in-house legal positions, Sumita Dass understands that a contract needs to work for the people responsible for delivering it, not just those negotiating the deal.
When reviewing an agreement, she considers questions such as:
A clause that seems insignificant today could affect your cash flow, working relationships or ability to operate later.
We know choosing the right legal service is a big decision. Here are comprehensive answers to the questions we hear most from clients. If you need more information, please contact us directly for a confidential discussion.
Not every agreement requires a lawyer. However, legal advice may be worthwhile when a contract involves significant financial commitments, complex obligations or risks that are difficult to understand. A review can help you identify issues before they become disputes.
Yes. Many commercial contract terms can be negotiated, although the other party is not required to accept your proposed changes. Sumita can help identify which clauses deserve attention and suggest amendments that better reflect your business needs.
A standard agreement can be useful when your services and risks are consistent. However, differences in pricing, deliverables, intellectual property or customer responsibilities may require changes. Your template should also be checked for compliance with applicable laws.
You may still have options. Depending on the agreement and circumstances, these could include negotiating a variation, relying on existing contractual rights or exploring dispute resolution. It is important to understand your obligations before taking action.
The cost depends on the length and complexity of the agreement, the issues involved and whether you need drafting or negotiation support. Summit Legal Services offers project-based and other fee arrangements, with the scope and proposed fees discussed before work begins.
