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Drafting Agreement Contract

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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR DRAFTING AGREEMENT

Please note that this Agreement is intended for general use. Your state law may require that additional or different provisions be included for agreements between a homeowner and a contractor for work on the home. In this instance, please consult your local law, local government or legal counsel.

THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into on the date last written below, by and between (hereinafter "Employer"), and , an independent contractor (hereinafter "Draftsman");

WHEREAS, the Employer desires to retain the services of Draftsman, and Draftsman desires to render services to the Employer, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter stated:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, do hereby promise and agree as follows:

SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF DUTIES TO BE PROVIDED

1.1    Term. Employer agrees to hire Draftsman, at will, for a term commencing on , 20 and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 4 of this agreement.

1.2    Duties. Draftsman agrees to perform work for the Employer on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement and agrees to devote all necessary time and attention (reasonable periods of illness excepted) to the performance of the duties specified in this agreement. Draftsman's duties shall include the following:

Draftsman further agrees that in all aspects of such work, Draftsman shall comply with the policies, standards, regulations of the Employer from time to time established, and shall perform the duties assigned faithfully, intelligently, to the best of his/her/their ability, and in the best interest of the Employer.

SECTION 2 – CONFIDENTIALITY

2.1    Confidentiality. Draftsman acknowledges and agrees that all financial and accounting records, lists of property owned by Employer, including amounts paid therefore, client and customer lists, and other Employer data and information related to its business (hereinafter collectively "Confidential Information") are valuable assets of the Employer. Except for disclosures required to be made to advance the business of the Employer and information which is a matter of public record, Draftsman shall not, during the term of this Agreement or after the termination of this Agreement, disclose any Confidential Information to any person or use any Confidential Information for the benefit of Draftsman or any other person, except with the prior written consent of the Employer.

Employer understands that certain Confidential Information may be required to be disclosed to certain individuals: directors, officers, employees, agents, or advisors (collectively, Representatives) of Draftsman. Draftsman shall maintain records of the persons to whom Confidential Information is distributed, will inform all such persons of the confidential nature of the information, will direct them to treat such information in accordance with this agreement, will exercise such precautions or measures as may be reasonable in the circumstances to prevent improper use of Confidential Information by them, and will be responsible for any breaches by them of the provisions of this agreement.

The term “confidential information” does not include information that is or becomes publicly available (other than through breach of this Agreement) or information that is or becomes available to Draftsman on a non-confidential basis, provided that the source of such information was not known by Draftsman (after such inquiry as would be reasonable in the circumstances) to be bound by a confidentiality agreement or other legal or contractual obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information. In the event that Draftsman or any of Draftsman’s representatives, assigns, or agents are requested or required by law or legal process to disclose any of the Confidential Information, the party required to disclose such information shall provide Employer with prompt oral and written notice before making any disclosure. In addition, Confidential Information may be disclosed to the extent required in the course of inspections or inquiries by federal or state regulatory agencies to whose jurisdiction Draftsman is subject and that have the legal right to inspect the files that contain the Confidential Information, and Draftsman will advise Employer promptly upon such disclosure.

2.2    Return of Documents. Draftsman acknowledges and agrees that all originals and copies of records, reports, documents, lists, plans, memoranda, notes and other documentation related to the business of the Employer or containing any Confidential Information shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Employer, and shall be returned to the Employer upon the termination of this Agreement or upon the written request of the Employer.

2.3    No Release. Draftsman agrees that the termination of this Agreement shall not release Draftsman from any obligations under Section 2.1 or 2.2.

SECTION 3 - COMPENSATION

3.1    Compensation. In consideration of all services to be rendered by Draftsman to the Employer, the Employer shall pay to said the amount of $ per hour week bi-weekly month year other

3.2    Withholding; Other Benefits. Compensation paid pursuant to this Agreement shall not be subject to the customary withholding of income taxes and other employment taxes. Draftsman shall be solely responsible for reporting and paying any such taxes. The Employer shall not provide Draftsman with any coverage or participation in the Employer's accident and health insurance, life insurance, disability income insurance, medical expense reimbursement, wage continuation plans, or other fringe benefits provided to regular employees.

SECTION 4 - TERMINATION

4.1    Termination at Will. This Agreement may be terminated by the Employer immediately, at will, and in the sole discretion of Employer. Draftsman may terminate this Agreement upon days written notice to Employer. This Agreement also may be terminated at any time upon the mutual written agreement of the Employer and Draftsman.

SECTION 5 - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

5.1 Draftsman acknowledges that he/she is an independent contractor and is not an agent, partner, joint venturer nor employee of Employer. Draftsman shall have no authority to bind or otherwise obligate Employer in any manner nor shall Draftsman represent to anyone that it has a right to do so. Draftsman further agrees that in the event that the Employer suffers any loss or damage as a result of a violation of this provision Draftsman shall indemnify and hold harmless the Employer from any such loss or damage.

5.2    Assignment. The Draftsman shall not assign any of his/her rights under this agreement, or delegate the performance of any of his/her duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Employer.

SECTION 6 - REPRESENTATIONS OF WARRANTIES OF DRAFTSMAN

6.1 Draftsman represents and warrants to the Employer that there is no employment contract or other contractual obligation to which Draftsman is subject which prevents Draftsman from entering into this Agreement or from performing fully Draftsman's duties under this Agreement.

6.2 Draftsman represents that he/she is licensed by the appropriate licensing agency for the profession and that he/she is in good standing with such agency or licensing bureau.

SECTION 7 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

7.1 The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties. Any provision hereof which imposes upon Draftsman or Employer an obligation after termination or expiration of this Agreement shall survive termination or expiration hereof and be binding upon Draftsman or Employer.

7.2 No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

7.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of .

7.4 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its subject matter and supersedes all prior contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings of the parties. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by all parties.

7.5    Severability. If any provision of these policies and regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of these policies and regulations which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of these policies and regulations are severable. In lieu thereof, there shall be added a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid and unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

WITNESS OUR SIGNATURES, this the day of , 20 .

EMPLOYER

DRAFTSMAN

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What the Drafting Agreement Contract Is

A Drafting Agreement Contract is a formal written contract that sets out the scope, responsibilities, deliverables, timing, and compensation for the preparation of legal or technical documents by one party for another. It defines who will prepare the work product, any acceptance criteria, ownership of drafts and final versions, confidentiality provisions, and payment terms. The agreement is used to reduce misunderstandings during the drafting process, establish review cycles and change orders, and preserve evidence of negotiated terms in case of later disputes.

Why a Clear Drafting Agreement Matters

A concise drafting agreement clarifies expectations, reduces rework, allocates intellectual property rights, and records approval milestones. It helps parties manage cost, schedule, and quality while creating an auditable record suitable for electronic execution under U.S. e-signature laws.

Why a Clear Drafting Agreement Matters

Who Typically Uses This Agreement

Common users include law firms, in-house legal teams, independent drafters, consultants, and project managers involved in creating formal documents.

  • Law firms and attorneys: Use for outsourced drafting, review cycles, and fee allocation between partners or external counsel.
  • Corporate legal teams: Establish internal or vendor responsibilities for contracts, policies, or regulatory filings.
  • Independent drafters and consultants: Define deliverables, ownership of drafts, and payment milestones for freelance engagements.

Tailor the agreement to the party type — individuals, corporations, or government contractors — and the document subject matter.

Typical Signatories and Roles

Lead Attorney

A licensed attorney who commissions or approves the drafting work and is authorized to accept deliverables on behalf of a law firm or corporate legal department. This person ensures the final document complies with legal requirements and client instructions and manages billing or fee allocation.

Contracting Officer

A corporate or government official who signs on behalf of the hiring organization, confirms the scope, approves compensation, and is responsible for enforcing deadlines and acceptance criteria under the agreement.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Drafting Agreement Contract

A complete drafting agreement organizes responsibilities and risk. Include precise and enforceable provisions rather than vague descriptions to avoid disputes during or after drafting.

Scope of Work

Describe the exact documents to be produced, number of drafts, required formats, technical or legal standards, and any attachments or exhibits that specify content or templates.

Delivery Schedule

Specify milestone dates, review periods, approval steps, and remedies for missed deadlines including extensions and accepted change-order procedures.

Compensation

State fixed fees or hourly rates, invoicing schedule, payment terms, expense reimbursement, and consequences for late payment or disputed invoices.

Ownership and IP

Allocate copyright and ownership rights for drafts and final deliverables; include assignment language or license terms, and reserve pre-existing IP rights.

Confidentiality

Define confidential information, permitted disclosures, duration of confidentiality, and any required data security measures for sensitive materials.

Acceptance Criteria

Provide objective standards for acceptance, correction cycles, final sign-off procedures, and what constitutes a materially complete deliverable.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Drafting Agreement

Follow these steps in order to create a clear, enforceable drafting agreement that reduces rework and supports electronic execution.

  • 01
    1. Identify Parties: Enter full legal names and capacities for all parties.
  • 02
    2. Define Scope: Describe deliverables, formats, and acceptance criteria.
  • 03
    3. Set Schedule: Enter milestone dates and review periods.
  • 04
    4. Confirm Payment: Add fees, invoicing, and payment terms.

How to Configure an Online Drafting Workflow

Set up a digital workflow that matches the agreement's review and approval steps to avoid manual routing errors and create an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Sequential or parallel routing to match review steps
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or KBA as required
Conditional Fields Show or hide fields based on role or answers
Notification Rules Set reminders and escalation for overdue actions

Typical Digital Execution Flow

An online signing flow follows predictable stages from upload to completed record; design each stage to preserve intent, attribution, and retention.

  • Upload Document: Sender uploads final draft in PDF or DOCX format
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields where required
  • Send to Signers: Dispatch by email or provide a secure signing link
  • Capture Audit Trail: System records timestamps, IP addresses, and actions

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

When using an eSignature provider, confirm compliance, authentication, and file-format support before sending for signature.

  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, KBA, or advanced methods
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML supported
  • Integrations: Connects to CRM and storage systems

Security and Compliance Basics to Note

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Timestamped signer events
HIPAA: BAA available for PHI workflows
ESIGN/UETA: Meets federal and UETA standards
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Agreement

Ambiguous Scope: Leads to disputes and extra costs
Wrong Signatory: May render agreement unenforceable
Missing Dates: Affects deadlines and statute timings
Improper Authentication: Could invalidate e-signature under ESIGN
Confidentiality Gaps: Risks data exposure and regulatory fines
Payment Omissions: Triggers nonpayment disputes and claims

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using informal language that leaves deliverables undefined, which creates room for differing interpretations by reviewers and clients.
  • Failing to specify acceptance criteria or the number of revision cycles, resulting in scope creep and billing disputes between parties.
  • Listing a party by a trade name instead of its legal entity name, which can cause enforcement and tax-reporting complications.
  • Omitting governing law or venue clauses, leading to uncertainty about which court or statute governs contract disputes.

Supporting Documents Commonly Attached

Drafting agreements often incorporate exhibits and supporting materials that clarify deliverables and reduce later disputes.

Exhibit A: Specifications

Detailed deliverable specifications, templates, or samples that the drafter must follow; these reduce ambiguity by providing exact formatting and content expectations.

Exhibit B: Schedule

A milestone calendar with deadlines, review windows, and acceptance periods; it should include dates for interim drafts and final approval to prevent scheduling confusion.

Exhibit C: Fee Schedule

Breakdown of fixed fees, hourly rates, reimbursable expenses, and invoicing cadence; include payment method and late payment consequences to avoid billing disputes.

Exhibit D: Confidentiality

Specific confidentiality definitions, permitted disclosures, and handling instructions for sensitive attachments or source materials used during drafting.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Applying consistent practices reduces risk, accelerates review, and supports enforceability.

Verify legal names and signer authority
Confirm corporate names and signatory authority with formation documents or a corporate resolution; authorized signers prevent later challenges to validity and enforceability.
Use precise scope and acceptance language
Specify what constitutes acceptance, how many revisions are included, and objective quality metrics to avoid scope creep and disputes over completion.
Standardize dates and formats
Use MM/DD/YYYY and consistent currency notation; inconsistent formats can cause interpretation problems and delay payments or filings.
Preserve an auditable record
Retain signed copies, version history, and communications. Good records simplify audits, litigation responses, and regulatory compliance checks.

Key Timing Rules to Watch

Certain dates and deadlines affect enforcement, tax reporting, and retention; build them into your agreement and workflow.

Effective Date and Term:

Record the start date (MM/DD/YYYY) and explicit term or termination conditions

Milestone Deadlines:

List dates for drafts, reviews, and final approval to anchor obligations

Invoice Due Dates:

State payment window (e.g., Net 30) and late fee calculations

Statute of Limitations Impact:

Effective date can affect when claims must be filed under state law

Retention Triggers:

Identify trigger events that begin post-termination retention periods

Key Milestones from Drafting to Finalization

A linear milestone view helps track progress and automates notifications for each stage of the drafting lifecycle.

01

Draft Preparation

Drafter produces initial draft and uploads to the review system

02

Internal Review

Client or legal team reviews and provides consolidated comments

03

Revision Cycle

Drafter revises and resubmits within agreed review window

04

Final Approval

Authorized signer executes and parties retain signed record

Real-World Examples of Drafting Agreements

Below are condensed case examples showing typical uses and outcomes when a drafting agreement is employed correctly.

Law Firm Outsource

A mid-sized firm outsourced contract drafting to an external counsel to handle overflow

  • External counsel delivered three drafts over two weeks
  • The clear scope and acceptance criteria reduced billable disputes, enabling timely client delivery and cleaner internal billing reconciliation.

Corporate Policy Project

A company engaged a consultant to draft employee policy updates

  • Consultant provided templates and tracked changes
  • Defined milestones and payment schedule led to on-time rollout and a documented approval trail for HR audits.

How a Drafting Agreement Differs from a Standard Service Contract

Compare core criteria to choose the right contract type for your engagement.

Criteria Drafting Agreement Standard Service Contract
Primary Focus document creation ongoing services
Deliverable Definition detailed final drafts continuous performance
Acceptance Terms specific approval tests broad performance metrics
Typical Payment Model milestone or fixed fee recurring or time-based

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Drafting Agreements

Compare starting prices and core features relevant to signing and storing drafting agreements using major eSignature vendors. Pricing shown is annual-billed list pricing where available.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes (Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year No cap No cap No cap

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common concerns about completing, executing, and storing a Drafting Agreement Contract.


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