diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 0277d24..0cdcc74 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ This allows the open-source version to thrive while keeping the project sustaina
 1. Fork the repository.
 2. Make your changes and commit them with clear, descriptive messages.
 3. Open a Pull Request!
-4. **Sign the CLA:** When you open your first PR, the [CLA Assistant](https://cla-assistant.io/) bot will automatically comment with a link. Simply click the link, sign in with GitHub, and click "I agree." **This is a one-time process**, once signed, it covers all your future contributions to Episteme.
+4. **Sign the CLA:** When you open your first PR, a bot will automatically comment asking you to sign. Simply reply to the PR with exactly: `I have read the CLA Document and I hereby sign the CLA`. **This is a one-time process** - once signed, it covers all your future contributions to Episteme.
 
 ## Questions?