When or how does a contract become a legal document and is binding on all parties involved?

Clara client has just been presented with a standard representation agreement by the law firm of yatz & berger. clara's first language is german. although she speaks and reads everyday english quite well, the legal terms in the contract confuse her. yatz & berger should question 90 options: have someone in the firm, if possible, or a translator from outside of the firm, explain the terms of the contract thoroughly until clara has a full and complete understanding of its terms. advise clara to take the contract home and study it before signing it. have a paralegal explain the most important clauses in the contract to clara in smaller, plain english words. advise clara to sign the contract and take her copy home for study.