Don't take the recruiter's opinion on this. They want a commission.
Can developers read/interpret legal clauses? Yes and no. I good developer should have the analytical skills to do a much better than average job spotting issues in the plain language of a contract.
What a lawyer can add, if they have experience, is a familiarity with these types of clauses, what is and is not standard, the background law which helps in terms of what is and is not enforceable, and an understanding of how courts interpret these types of clauses.
And, of course, a lawyer can help in terms of revising the terms of an agreement or negotiating.
But, from what I see here, you have picked up on some serious issues with this agreement and you don't need a lawyer to go back to the recruiter or employer and explain your concerns. Maybe they will propose alternative language. If not, that's probably when you would want to either consider a lawyer or just walk.
Can developers read/interpret legal clauses? Yes and no. I good developer should have the analytical skills to do a much better than average job spotting issues in the plain language of a contract.
What a lawyer can add, if they have experience, is a familiarity with these types of clauses, what is and is not standard, the background law which helps in terms of what is and is not enforceable, and an understanding of how courts interpret these types of clauses.
And, of course, a lawyer can help in terms of revising the terms of an agreement or negotiating.
But, from what I see here, you have picked up on some serious issues with this agreement and you don't need a lawyer to go back to the recruiter or employer and explain your concerns. Maybe they will propose alternative language. If not, that's probably when you would want to either consider a lawyer or just walk.