Agreement templates
Scope, fees, independent-contractor status, confidentiality and IP — the terms specific to advisory engagements.
A consulting agreement is the binding contract for an advisory engagement — its specific concerns, beyond a general services agreement, are usually independent-contractor status (the consultant isn't an employee) and confidentiality around whatever the client shares during the engagement.
An explicit statement that the consultant is not an employee, doesn't receive benefits, and is responsible for their own taxes.
What the consultant is engaged to do, referencing the accepted proposal if one exists.
Often stronger/more detailed than a standard services agreement, given the sensitive information consultants are typically exposed to.
Rate structure and how expenses (travel, tools) are handled.
Whether the consultant is restricted from soliciting the client's employees or customers during/after the engagement.
Copy this into your own document, or build it directly as a branded page in Hanko. Bracketed text like [Client Name] is a placeholder to fill in.
Consulting Agreement
This Agreement is entered into as of [Date] between [Consultant Legal Name] ("Consultant") and [Client Legal Name] ("Client").
1. Services
Consultant will provide the services described in the proposal dated [Date] (the "Services"), which is incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
2. Independent Contractor Status
Consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of Client. Consultant is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship.
3. Fees & Expenses
Client will pay Consultant [$rate/hour, or a fixed fee of $amount], invoiced [weekly/bi-weekly/monthly], due within [15] days. Pre-approved expenses will be reimbursed at cost upon submission of receipts.
4. Confidentiality
Consultant will not disclose Client's confidential information to any third party, and will use it only to perform the Services. This obligation survives termination of this Agreement for [3] years.
5. Intellectual Property
Work product created specifically for Client under this engagement belongs to Client upon payment. Consultant retains ownership of pre-existing frameworks, tools, and methodologies used in delivering the Services.
6. Term & Termination
This Agreement begins on [Start Date] and continues until the Services are complete or either party terminates with [X days'] written notice.
7. Limitation of Liability
Consultant's total liability under this Agreement will not exceed the total fees paid by Client under this Agreement.
8. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Country].
Signatures
Consultant: ___________________ Date: ______
Client: ___________________ Date: ______
Misclassifying a consultant as a contractor when the relationship functions like employment can create real tax and legal liability for the client. The language in this template helps establish contractor status but doesn't override how the engagement actually operates.
Non-competes are heavily restricted or unenforceable in many jurisdictions (including several US states). A narrower non-solicitation clause (not poaching employees/clients) is more commonly enforceable — check your jurisdiction.
The core structure is similar; a consulting agreement typically places more emphasis on independent-contractor status and confidentiality, since consultants are more often engaged individually and exposed to sensitive strategic information.
Route it for e-signature in Hanko and invoice by the hour, milestone, or retainer once it's signed.
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