Free consulting agreement template for hiring consultants and advisors. Covers engagement terms, deliverables, fees, expenses, confidentiality, and IP ownership.
This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date] between [Company Name], a [entity type] ("Company"), and [Consultant Name/Firm], a [entity type/individual] ("Consultant"). The Company engages the Consultant as an independent contractor to provide consulting services as described in Exhibit A (the "Services"). Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship.
The Consultant shall deliver the following: [List of specific deliverables with dates]. All deliverables shall be subject to the Company's review and written acceptance within [10] business days of submission. If the Company requests modifications, the Consultant shall make reasonable revisions within the scope of the original engagement at no additional cost.
The Company shall pay the Consultant: [Option A: a fixed fee of (Amount) / Option B: an hourly rate of (Amount), not to exceed (Cap) / Option C: a monthly retainer of (Amount)]. The Consultant shall submit invoices [monthly/upon milestone]. Payment is due within [30] days. Pre-approved business expenses shall be reimbursed within [15] days of submission with receipts.
The Consultant shall hold in strict confidence all proprietary information, trade secrets, and business data disclosed by the Company. This obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of [3] years. The Consultant shall not use the Company's confidential information for any purpose other than performing the Services.
All work product, inventions, and materials created by the Consultant in performing the Services ("Work Product") shall be the exclusive property of the Company. The Consultant hereby assigns all rights, title, and interest in the Work Product to the Company. The Consultant's pre-existing intellectual property shall remain the Consultant's property, with a license granted to the Company as needed.
Either party may terminate this Agreement upon [30] days' written notice. The Company may terminate immediately for cause, including material breach, misconduct, or failure to meet deliverable standards. Upon termination, the Consultant shall deliver all completed and in-progress work, and the Company shall pay for Services rendered through the termination date.
Signature — Party A
Signature — Party B
Step 1: Choose your consulting agreement template. Log in to ContractClaw Sign and select the Consulting Agreement template from your dashboard. This template is tailored for hiring consultants and advisors, covering engagement terms, deliverables, fees, expenses, confidentiality, and intellectual property ownership.
Step 2: Customize the engagement details. Fill in the Company name, entity type, and address, and the Consultant's name or firm name and address. Describe the consulting services in detail — attach an Exhibit A listing specific deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria. Set the review and acceptance window (typically 10 business days). Enter the fee structure: choose between a fixed fee, hourly rate with a cap, or monthly retainer. Specify invoice frequency, payment terms (Net 30 is standard), and the pre-approved expense reimbursement policy with receipt requirements.
Step 3: Configure confidentiality and IP terms. Set the confidentiality survival period (typically 3 years post-termination). Define what constitutes the Company's proprietary information. Specify the IP assignment — all work product created during the engagement transfers to the Company upon full payment. Note any pre-existing intellectual property the Consultant will use, and the license terms granted to the Company for that IP.
Step 4: Add termination and non-solicitation provisions. Set the notice period for termination without cause (typically 30 days). Define what constitutes termination for cause — material breach, misconduct, or failure to meet deliverable standards. Add a non-solicitation clause if the consultant will interact with your employees or clients.
Step 5: Add signers. Enter the authorized signatory for the Company (name, title, email) and the Consultant's name and email. If the consultant is a firm, ensure the signer has authority to bind the firm.
Step 6: Send for signature. Click Send — both parties receive the consulting agreement and all attached exhibits via email and WhatsApp with OTP verification. Each party reviews the scope, fees, IP terms, and confidentiality obligations before signing from any device.
Step 7: Track and download. Monitor signing progress in your ContractClaw Sign dashboard. Once both parties sign, the agreement is sealed with a SHA-256 hash, RFC 3161 timestamp, and QR verification code. Download the executed PDF anytime to reference deliverable timelines, payment schedules, and IP ownership terms.
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View templateDisclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified legal professional before using this document for any binding agreement. ContractClaw Sign is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.
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