Tips for Services Contracts for Businesses

Contracts are everywhere, especially in business. It is crucial to understand your contract and how they can help protect you and your business.  Your contracts lawyer can greatly help.

What is a Services Contract?

A services contract is an agreement between you or your business, and a client or customer, under which you offer to provide services.  The contract sets forth terms and conditions covering the services to be provided, and any other important related matters. For example, a roofer would use a services agreement to detail his roofing work, compensation, and timing.

Drafting Contracts

Your services contract must include certain key elements; your business lawyer can help you draft the contract to ensure the contract says what you want it to say. Typical contracts often include:

• Contact information for both parties
• Scope of Services and/or work
• Compensation terms
• Timeline for services to be completed
• Indemnification terms
• Warranties
• Default terms
• Insurance and compliance terms
• Dispute resolution and remedies

Additionally, your contract may need specific terms and conditions unique to your business, such as:

• Non-solicitation Clause to prevent a party from soliciting or hiring the other party’s employees;
• Confidentiality Clause to prevent a party from sharing sensitive, proprietary, or private information about the other party client; or
• Noncompete Clause to prevent a party from competing in the client’s industry or market.

Who Needs a Contract Lawyer?

Anyone that provides a service for a client can benefit from a services contract to protect your interests and help ensure timely receipt of payment. Service providers are often called independent contractors, which can include child or adult care workers, web development or programming, graphic design, illustration, marketing, branding, writing, catering, live entertainment, and more. Whether you are an established business or just starting out, its important to understand the benefits of a services contract.

Services Contract Lawyer in Northern Virginia

If you provide a service, you need a strong service contract. A services contract lawyer in Northern Virginia can help you draft a contract that covers your business. To learn more, please contact Cook, Craig and Francuzenko.