I have a basic consulting agreement but I wonder if I am missing something that is more specific to various industries I consult to. Where can I find sample contract language for a range of consulting situations and industries?

Even though sample agreements are available from many sources, we recommend you run past your attorney whatever agreement you come up with. Over time and across industries there are nuances of your situation that you might not be aware of, and legal advice is essential to protect your interests. Also, the law, business practices and technology do evolve, so that agreement that made sense a few years ago may not provide all the protection or clarity you need now.

One great place to quickly get the lay of the land of consulting agreements in various industries is Tech Agreements. This site has, for a fee of usually $35 each, copies of consulting agreements for various industries. Each one has a free view of part of the contract so you can get a sense of what it contains before you buy. Remember, this is just a start - you still need a business eye (you) and a legal perspective (your lawyer).

Tip: Read every agreement carefully. Over my career I have read a dozen contracts that had typographic or grammatical errors or, even worse, clauses that either made no sense or were potentially harmful to my interests. Often, the other party asserts that no one has ever objected before. Regardless, you are best off using your own terms in your own agreement. Always read carefully and stick to your principles by starting with your own agreement as a draft

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