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Claude for analyzing contracts: the 4-step method
Contracts are long and full of clauses that are hard to read in a hurry. Claude can help you read and organize long documents and prepare the negotiation. It does not decide for you: it helps you reach the decision with clearer ideas.
The method
- The map. Ask for parties, subject matter, term, fees, deadlines, penalties, renewal and termination, with the reference to the clause.
- The critical clauses. Ask which carry the most risk for your position and why.
- The negotiating leverage. For each critical clause, ask for an alternative wording and what you could get in return.
- The checklist. Turn the contract into obligations and deadlines, with the consequences if they are not met.
Ready prompts
PROMPT 1Read this contract and give me a map: parties, subject matter, term, fees, deadlines, penalties, renewal and termination. For each item, indicate the relevant clause.
PROMPT 2Identify the clauses that carry the most risk for [my position, e.g. the supplier]: penalties, liability, exclusivity, automatic renewal, unilateral changes. Explain the concrete risk of each.
PROMPT 3For each critical clause propose an alternative wording and what I could ask for in return. Separate essential requests from negotiable ones.
PROMPT 4List the 10 questions to ask the other party before signing and the information that is missing from the text.
What to always check
- Verify against the original text every clause cited: always ask for the article number.
- Confidentiality. Before uploading a document, check the rules of the tool and those of your contract; if needed, black out names and figures.
- The final decision is yours. For high-value contracts or ones with serious consequences, have the text reviewed by a professional too.
Want to learn to use AI in your work?
Download the free Excel dashboard template and the 30 prompts, or book a free 30-minute session.