Execution: A guide to English law execution

Topic Guides

Executing a document correctly under English law requires care. What should be a simple process is often not so. This Topic Guide provides practical information to help you navigate these difficulties.

This Topic Guide is currently being updated for recent developments but should you wish to speak to someone on this topic please get in touch with one of the listed contacts.

Inside this Topic Guide

Topic overview

This Topic Guide outlines what methods of execution are appropriate in respect of particular documents, including deeds. Our simple flowchart is the starting point in identifying the correct method of execution. You are also likely to need to refer to Key concepts explained that elaborates on the issues identified in the signing methods.

There is a growing interest in electronic signatures and e-signing cloud based platforms, in particular following the publication of the Law Commission's report Electronic execution of documents (see External resources) in September 2019. These are discussed in general terms in Electronic signatures under Key concepts explained and our briefing The Law Commission's Report on electronic signatures: paving the way for digitisation?. However, if you wish to discuss execution using electronic signatures or e-signing platforms in detail please speak to one of the named Clifford Chance contacts.