Maryland Employment Contract Attorney for Professional Services Employees
If you or someone you know is in the professional services business, there are several reasons why all client relationships that are established should be documented in a written professional services employment agreement. Doing so will clearly lay out the rights and obligations of each party and protect them by providing a legal remedy in the event one party breaches the terms of the agreement. For assistance with professional service employment agreements, please contact our experienced Maryland employment lawyers at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford today.
What is a Professional Service?
Professional services can refer to a number of services across a large array of industries. These services may be defined as unique, technical, and often infrequent services performed by an independent contractor who has the necessary training, education, and experience to competently provide the services needed. Generally, the professional services are intellectual in character, although the provider need not always hold a professional license in order to perform the function. Some examples of professional services include translation and/or interpretation services, laboratory analysis, website and/or software development or design, statistical analysis, auditing, marketing analysis, and writing and/or editing.
Professional Services Agreements Explained
A professional services agreement is used to create a contractual business relationship between one party and the consultant for a specific period of time. These agreements need to be drafted in a particular way in order to ensure enforceability. Therefore, it is vital that a skilled Maryland employment contract attorney is contacted before any document is signed for services. Take as much time and effort as necessary to make sure the agreement accurately reflects the professional services company’s objectives and clearly explains to the client what they should expect. Some important terms that should be included in every professional services agreement are those which:
- Define the parties: Do not underestimate the importance of correctly defining the parties. Otherwise, there could be an issue as to whether or not the agreement is valid. Also, individuals and business entities face different exposure to legal and financial liability;
- Define the services: The most important part of a professional services agreement is defining the services to be rendered. Being as specific as possible will narrowly and clearly define the work. This can also help define any extra services specifically and additional fees that may apply, if requested;
- Length of contract and termination: The agreement should include both how long the contract is in place and any renewal provisions. Likewise, the document should include the circumstances under which each party is permitted to terminate the agreement and what, if any, penalties are incurred should the agreement be prematurely terminated;
- Confidentiality: It is common for professional service agreements to include provisions that require the protection of confidential information. This often protects a business’s client lists, supplier information, trade secrets, and business strategies, among others. It is also common for the confidentiality to be mutual.
Beyond the above, there are other terms that may be factored into a professional services agreement, including proprietary rights, indemnification, addendums for work orders, and cooperation.
Obtain Legal Help Regarding Professional Service Agreements With a Maryland Employment Contract Attorney at Our Firm
A professional services agreement should not be taken lightly. Providing a clearly written and detailed professional services agreement to each client will help protect your service business and mitigate future legal and financial liability. The experienced lawyers at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC understand professional service agreements and can help guide you every step of the way. Call 410-514-6099 or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation with a Maryland employment contract attorney.