A commercial settlement agreement is the document that records the resolution of a commercial dispute. It needs to be precise about: what is being paid, by whom, by when; what claims are being released; what conditions attach to the settlement; and what happens if a party fails to perform.
Where settlement drafting earns its keep
Common drafting failures: releases that are too narrow (leaving claims alive that the parties intended to settle); releases that are too wide (catching claims the parties did not intend to release); payment mechanics that do not work in practice; and the absence of a clear consequence for breach of the settlement itself.
A clean settlement agreement closes the matter properly. A messy one is a future dispute waiting to surface.
Suitable for parties documenting the resolution of a commercial dispute, whether reached directly or through mediation.
Example: a typical scope and fixed fee
For a single two-party commercial settlement agreement, the typical scope looks like this.
What's included
- A consultation to understand the dispute and the agreed settlement terms
- Drafting of a settlement agreement covering payment, release of claims, confidentiality, non-disparagement, and any conditions
- One round of revisions based on your feedback
- Final version ready for execution
What's outside this scope
- Negotiating the settlement terms with the other party
- Tax advice
Fixed fee: £495, no VAT.
How I will approach your matter
Once you have instructed me, I will arrange a consultation to understand the dispute and the agreed terms before drafting. The drafting will be precise about what is being released and what is not.
To instruct me, or to talk through whether this is the right service for your matter, email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk. I aim to reply within 24 hours.