When You Think You Know Better Than Your Lawyer

I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had contracts for building projects where a tiny phrase about “acceptable materials” could have derailed my whole sustainability plan. Here’s how I handle it: first, I read every line, even if it’s tedious. If something feels weird, I jot down why. Then, I’ll ask the lawyer to walk me through that section—sometimes they’re surprised at what I catch. It takes longer, but it’s worth it when you’re trying to build green and avoid headaches later. Trusting your gut doesn’t mean ignoring expertise, just making sure your priorities aren’t lost in the shuffle.