An agreement should make the commercial relationship easier to understand. Begin with the parties, the purpose of the work, the expected deliverables and the timeline. Identify which decisions are settled and which need negotiation. Useful review topics can include scope, payment, change control, ownership, confidentiality and the way a relationship ends. Their relevance depends on the transaction, the parties and the applicable jurisdiction; a checklist is not a substitute for advice on the actual agreement. For an initial enquiry, describe the type of agreement and the upcoming decision without attaching confidential documents. Jurisdiction, conflicts, availability and engagement terms must be confirmed before professional work begins.