Contract Glossary
Recitals
Definition
Recitals are the 'WHEREAS' paragraphs at the top of a contract that explain why the parties are entering into the agreement. They set the stage, background, context, purpose, but they're not usually enforceable terms themselves.
In Practice
A consulting agreement might start with: 'WHEREAS, Company needs expertise in data analytics, and WHEREAS, Consultant has 15 years of experience in data analytics...' These aren't binding promises, but courts use them to interpret ambiguous terms. If a clause in the contract is unclear, the recitals help a judge understand what both parties intended. Get the recitals right, they're your contract's origin story.
Common in these contract types
Related contract clauses
Frequently asked questions
Create a contract with proper recitals clauses
Generate a professional contract in minutes with all the essential clauses -- no legal expertise needed.
Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.