Read the termination clause first
How you get out of a contract matters more than how you get in. Look for notice periods, minimum terms and automatic renewals.
The five clauses we check first
Payment terms and what triggers them
Limitation of liability and who carries the risk
Intellectual property: who owns what is made
Termination and notice
Governing law and how disputes are resolved
The two that cause the most trouble later are liability caps and IP ownership. They are also the two most people skip.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, book a consultation.