Consulting Agreement for Software Developer: What to Include (Customizable Template)

Introduction

As a Software Developer, having a clear Consulting Agreement is essential for managing multi-phase projects, approvals, and seamless handoffs. This agreement helps define expectations on both sides, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. To make your life easier, customize your Consulting Agreement now with our helpful templates!

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Software Developers

IP Ownership and Rights

• Ownership Upon Payment: Ensure that IP ownership transfers only after the client pays for your work. This safeguards your creations and motivates timely payments.
• AI Usage Restrictions: Clearly state that the client cannot use your work product in AI models. This protects your intellectual creativity and maintains the integrity of your work.
• Attribution Rights: Consider retaining some rights to showcase your work in your portfolio, and outline when attribution is required. This is valuable for showcasing your expertise to future clients.

Revision Limits, Acceptance Criteria, and Payment Milestones

• Revision Caps: Set clear limits on the number of revisions included in your contract. This helps avoid endless back-and-forth that can drain your resources.
• Acceptance Criteria: Include specific acceptance criteria to define when work is considered completed. This clarity can reduce disputes and ensure timely approvals.
• Payment Milestones: Structure your payments around project milestones. This could be based on deliverables, ensuring regular cash flow throughout your project.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

• Clear Triggers for Changes: Define what constitutes a change in scope and establish a straightforward process for handling these changes.
• Pricing Guidance: Provide clear pricing for changes to the original scope. This can include hourly rates or fixed fees for additional work, which helps manage client expectations.
• Schedule Impact Language: Specify how changes may affect project timelines. Clients should be aware that modifications can lead to delays.

Other Helpful Clauses for Software Developers

• Portfolio Rights: Secure your right to showcase your work in your portfolio. This is crucial for attracting future clients.
• Limitation of Liability: Limit your liability to a certain extent. This can protect you from unexpected claims while delivering your services.

How Counsel Club Helps

Counsel Club re-imagines legal for startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our platform allows you to search for lawyer-drafted forms for startups, freelancers, content creators, and other creative entrepreneurs. Our platform guides you through modifications, both to the contract and the scope of work. Counsel Club has the most sophisticated drafting tool on the market, and it was designed and developed by lawyers. If you want more help, reach out to a Counsel Club lawyer through our Concierge program. Our legal agent, Amicus, was trained on proprietary legal data to be your best legal assistant. Finally, legal for today, that is fast, protective, and cost effective.

Questions to Ask Amicus

• What rights do I retain over my work after the project is completed?
• How can I handle revisions that go beyond the agreed limits?
• What should I include in the scope to prevent misunderstandings?

Closing CTA

Ready to create your Consulting Agreement and pair it with Statements of Work? Start by customizing your Consulting Agreement now! This will help you ensure a smooth collaboration and protect your creative work.