Protecting yourself.
WHAT EVERY ENGAGEMENT NEEDS
A written agreement.
WHAT IT SHOULD COVER
The parties The work, specifically What is excluded Deliverables and acceptance Timeline Rate and payment terms What happens on change of scope Ownership of the work Confidentiality Termination Liability limits
WHY LIABILITY LIMITS MATTER
Unlimited exposure on a modest fee is not a sensible trade.
WHAT TO PROPOSE
Liability capped at the fees paid.
WHAT OWNERSHIP CLAUSES SHOULD STATE
When ownership transfers.
WHAT TO PREFER
On full payment.
WHY
It is your leverage.
WHAT TO RETAIN
Rights to general knowledge and reusable components.
WHY
Otherwise you cannot use your own techniques again.
WHAT PAYMENT TERMS SHOULD SPECIFY
A deposit Milestones, for longer work A period for payment What happens if late
WHAT TO AVOID
Payment entirely on completion Terms extending many weeks
WHAT TO DO ABOUT CLIENT CONTRACTS
Read them, and negotiate what matters.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Unlimited revisions Broad indemnities Exclusivity Restrictions on other clients
WHAT TO ENGAGE
A solicitor, once, for a template.
WHY
It pays for itself.
