This is an opportunity to make sure you understand your rights and obligations (including possible post-employment obligations such as non-solicitation agreements) before you sign. You may still decide that you will not request changes, but at least you are walking into the relationship fully aware of what you are agreeing
The way certain clauses are drafted, like termination clauses, can make a significant difference to how smoothly you are able to transition to a new opportunity if your employment comes to an early end. It is not uncommon for people to only read their termination clause for the first time after they were let go and that they wished they had understood the terms earlier.
In the event changes are needed, an employment lawyer can often provide guidance on how to negotiate modifications to your contract in a constructive and non-confrontational way. We understand that you are looking to preserve your relationship and not end it — in our experience, employers are often open to negotiating the terms of the agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to help both parties arrive at conditions that are fair (and provide some certainty).
No one needs to know that you sought legal advice. Lawyers can often provide assistance without getting directly involved.
Finally, sometimes what you will learn is that the employer is offering a very fair, well-balanced contract that provides certainty to both parties. This knowledge can help build trust and loyalty from the beginning.