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Sample contracts for freelance work?

Dave, I'm about to hire a few people to help me with my new Web site project (can't tell you about it yet, but I will in a few months!) and need some legal paperwork. Non-disclosures, ownership of intellectual property, engagement letters, and so on. I don't want to pay a lawyer for these standard documents, however. Any suggestions?


Dave's Answer:

Ah, so you're playing coy with me, are you? :-) Okay, I can understand that, just as I can understand your need for a non-disclosure agreement, particularly if you're bringing on board people who you've never worked with and don't know at all.

Fortunately, the eLance freelance worker marketplace site has a number of reference contracts that I imagine would be an excellent starting place for what you seek:

Sample Non-Disclosure Agreement

Sample Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement

Sample Service Provider Agreement

Sample Freelance Engagement Letter

Between those you should be good to get started. If you do need more sophisticated documents, I have high regard for the publications of Nolo Press, notably including their book Consultant and Independent Contractor Agreements, chockablock with sample contracts and much more.

Hope that helps you out, and good luck to you!


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Reader Comments To Date: 9

iva said, on August 17, 2007 11:37 AM:

i have been workig for an artist who is trying to have an event and she does things like treat me to lunch
give me pocket money
and then offer to pay my hotel room
when fashion week goes on in september 5-12
however i do not need her to do that i can stay with my cousin or friends
we have discussed this but i want it to be in writing that I want her to pay me
she keeps saying im gonna pay you im gonna pay you ,
i think that i am going to approach her with this and if she doesnt agree then i will no longer help her

Tina Fortune said, on October 22, 2009 2:23 PM:

THANK YOU! I just started a Voice Over, Editing business and a client asked for a contract. Thanks God for your site!

Sunil Joshi said, on December 18, 2009 5:34 AM:

Hello,

I have PC at home with internet connection. I have found your details for the online work.I have very good experience in BPO.I do data entry jobs, making blogs, create links, online software jobs etc. different types of work.

SO can you allow me some work for freelancer ?

I am waiting for your reply.

Thanks,
Sunil Joshi

Roz Grant said, on January 7, 2010 1:20 PM:

Hello Dave, I have been searching the internet for a sample construction bid proposal. Every site I go on they would like me to purchase software, is there a site that post sample contract or proposal formating.. PLEASE HELP.. RoZ

Amanda said, on January 23, 2010 6:29 AM:

Hello, have you ever took a look at Business-in-a-Box? It is a business document templates software that includes over 1500 docs. http://www.biztree.com

Vitaly Tennant said, on April 26, 2011 9:41 PM:

Great references, thank you for sharing.

sum1 said, on April 2, 2012 8:18 AM:

The links are dead.

Sean said, on February 2, 2013 9:58 AM:

The school I'm attending,( for auto body repair)wants to quit doing live work on cars. This will make it virtually imposible to progress forward in on hands learning.My teacher asked us,aka,students,to try and find release of liability forms that other schools,or businesses use.Is this something you can help me with? Awaiting your response!

CatherinaLucy said, on February 14, 2013 3:31 AM:

Want to hear more about this ?

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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