Glossary
Counterpart
A counterpart is one of several identical copies of a contract, each signed by different parties, which together form one agreement.
Signing in counterpart means each party signs its own copy of the same document, instead of everyone signing a single original. The signed copies are then put together and treated as one agreement. This is common when the parties are in different places, or when signatures are gathered over several days.
Contracts often include a short counterparts clause saying the agreement can be signed in any number of counterparts and that together they form one document. Many also say that a copy sent by email or signed electronically counts as an original.
In Scotland, the Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015 says a document may be executed in counterpart, and a traditional or electronic document may be delivered electronically.
Example
A London studio and a Glasgow client each sign their own copy of the agreement, then swap the signed PDFs by email.
What the legislation says
In Scotland, a document may be executed in counterpart, and a traditional or electronic document may be delivered electronically.
Source: Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015Checked 7 October 2026Pending lawyer review