Submitting a contract
Arceus accepts contracts through three paths. Each path creates the same review pipeline. Notifications later in the lifecycle depend on which path you used.
Pick the path that fits how your team works, then open the guide for step-by-step instructions and examples.
Choose your path
| Path | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Client portal | Uploading from your browser and tracking everything in one dashboard | Submitting via portal |
| Forwarding from your inbox without signing in | Submitting via email | |
| Slack | Teams that work in Slack; tag @Arceus with your upload | Submitting via Slack |
Portal and email submissions receive estimate and delivery notifications by email and the portal. Slack submissions receive those milestones in the Slack thread.
What context to include
You do not need to know legal terms or section numbers. Helpful context in plain language:
- Who the counterparty is (company name)
- What the document is for (NDA before a demo, vendor order form, customer MSA, DPA for procurement, and similar)
- When you need it back (demo date, quarter close, project start)
- Your role (buying vs selling, their paper vs yours)
- Business worries (auto-renewal, exclusivity, IP ownership) if you have them
Your reviewer identifies contract type and legal issues. See Contract types for documents Arceus commonly reviews.
Shared file requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | .docx (Microsoft Word) |
| Content | Commercial contracts and related documents |
Submit .docx rather than PDF so your reviewer can deliver tracked changes in Word.
What happens after submission
| Step | What you see |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Contract appears on your Dashboard, usually under Waiting |
| Classification | Contract type identified (NDA, MSA, SaaS, order form, DPA, and others) |
| Assignment | Licensed reviewer assigned |
| Estimate | Fixed price and turnaround. Approve on the contract page (portal/email) or in the Slack estimate carousel (Slack) |
| Review | Active review after approval |
| Delivery | Email with redlined .docx attached, or Slack thread attachment for Slack submissions |
Tips for faster reviews
- Submit
.docxfiles rather than PDFs. - Name the counterparty and deadline in your message or Details field.
- Complete your onboarding questionnaire before your first submission.
Supported contract types
NDAs, MSAs, SaaS agreements, order forms, DPAs, statements of work, employment agreements, and other commercial contracts common to growth-stage companies. See Contract types. If you are unsure, submit the document and your reviewer will confirm scope at the estimate step.
Out of scope
Litigation, regulatory filings, entity formation, patent prosecution, and unrelated personal legal matters are generally out of scope. Your reviewer will flag out-of-scope documents during the estimate step.