Start by identifying the most crucial clauses—these are non-negotiable. Once you know what’s essential, focus on getting those points across early in the negotiation. Be clear and direct, so there’s no confusion. But don’t push too hard. Stay open to hearing the other party’s needs. If you can show flexibility in less critical areas, they’re more likely to agree on the important ones. Keep the conversation flowing and collaborative. The goal is to build a win-win agreement where everyone feels satisfied, not to bulldoze the process. Securing key clauses while keeping the bigger picture in mind will ensure a smoother negotiation.

The essential clauses must take priority in negotiations - if it’s a show stopper that must be called out and each party must take that at face value and be open to negotiate and look for solutions.

Essentials of the contract are either a deal-breaker if not satisfied, or they are not that essential. Contractual negotiations always come to the point when either you agree to give up in some of the conditions, or you risk losing the contract. It is only the matter of experience and intuition when to be flexible.

Make your priorities clear from the beginning and be transparent about non-negotiables. Share draft clauses as soon as in principle agreement is reached.

First, be collaborative in your approach. Seek what you need while earnestly trying to solve the other side’s issues. By doing that you establish trust. With the established trust, make your hard lines known clearly and firmly without deviation or hesitation.

Contract negotiation requires experience. Begin with grouping of clauses that are absolutely needed and those that you are flexible with. When negotiating crucial clauses be ready to cite international and local best practices and any compliances to law etc to strengthen your case. It is important to have a open mind to listen to other party on any of their constraints and giving due considerations to it. Any remaining clauses not considered by other party, see if any amendments to it would make other party accept it. Ultimately anything remaining and not acceptable to other party would let you see the risks associated with it if foregone or whether the contract is crucial for you over and above having that clause.

In negotiation of clause/s it 1st depends on which party is negotiating and the reason of negotiation..is it disagreement of clause or the party wants to negotiate terms for which the contract was drafted. It cannot be the terms as after discussing the terms, contract was drafted. It could be language or ambiguity of the clause which can be rectified or words changed with unambiguous words. It is very good of keeping the contract going without hindrance