Can this contract be electronically signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws adopted by most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are met.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is required where state law or the contract itself specifies it, commonly for real estate instruments and certain powers of attorney. Verify state rules for deeds and wills with the relevant Secretary of State or notary authority.

What authentication level is appropriate?

Choose authentication based on risk: email link or SMS code for low-risk agreements, knowledge-based authentication or ID verification for higher-assurance needs, and multifactor or enterprise SSO for sensitive transactions.

How long must executed copies be retained?

Retention depends on document type: IRS records generally three years (IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA six years (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and industry-specific rules may require longer retention periods.

What happens if a name or signature mismatches?

A mismatch can create enforceability questions. Correct names before execution where possible; consider re-execution or an amendment and preserve audit evidence showing intent and consent.

How do I add witness or notary fields?

Insert signature blocks labeled for witnesses and notaries. For remote notarization, ensure the chosen platform supports audio-video recording, identity proofing, and retention consistent with the state's RON requirements.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Legal Common Era Contract Agreement

Legal Common Era Contract Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Legal Common Era Contract Agreement

This Legal Common Era Contract Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: , a Individual Corporation Limited Liability Company , with principal place of business at ; and Service Provider Name: , a Individual Corporation Limited Liability Company , with principal place of business at .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Provider to perform certain services described herein and Provider is willing to provide such services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, Provider represents that it has the personnel, expertise and resources necessary to perform the services and agrees to perform such services in a professional and workmanlike manner.

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the performance of the services and related matters.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows.

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below. "Services" means the work described in Section 2. "Confidential Information" means information designated in writing as confidential or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure. "Work Product" means all tangible and intangible results of the Services, including reports, designs, documentation and deliverables.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Provider shall perform the Services described below and in any attachments executed by the parties. The Services shall include:

Detailed Description of Services

3. TERM

The term of this Agreement shall commence on Start Date: and shall continue until End Date: , unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

4. COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT

As full compensation for the Services, Client shall pay Provider the fees set forth below and in any attachments. Compensation: USD.

Payment Terms

Invoice Frequency: Monthly Upon Completion Fixed Milestones

Payment is due within days of receipt of a proper invoice. Late payments shall bear interest at per month or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall protect Confidential Information of the other with at least the same degree of care it uses to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care. Confidential Information shall not be disclosed except to employees, contractors or agents who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations no less restrictive than those set forth herein. The obligations under this Section shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years, except with respect to trade secrets, which shall survive for as long as permitted by law.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Provider assigns to Client all right, title and interest in and to Work Product created specifically for Client under this Agreement. Provider retains ownership of its pre-existing materials and general skills, know-how and techniques. To the extent Provider incorporates pre-existing materials into Work Product, Provider grants Client a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use such materials as part of the Work Product.

7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each party represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, and that its performance will not violate any applicable law or contractual obligation to a third party. PROVIDER WARRANTS THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE PERFORMED IN A PROFESSIONAL AND WORKMANLIKE MANNER IN ACCORDANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION, NO OTHER WARRANTIES ARE MADE, AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Each party (the "Indemnitor") shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party (the "Indemnitee") from and against any third-party claims, demands, liabilities, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of Indemnitor's breach of this Agreement, willful misconduct or negligence. The Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Indemnitor of any claim and cooperate, at Indemnitor's expense, in the defense of such claim.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

EXCEPT FOR A PARTY'S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITY ARISING FROM WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, REVENUE OR BUSINESS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF EITHER PARTY ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other party if the breaching party fails to cure such breach within days after receipt of written notice. Either party may terminate for convenience upon days' written notice to the other party. Upon termination, Client shall pay Provider for services performed and approved expenses incurred through the effective date of termination.

11. NOTICES

All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party designates by notice to the other in accordance with this Section. Notices shall be deemed received: upon delivery if by hand; three (3) business days after deposit in the mail if sent by certified mail; or one (1) business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier service.

Client Notice Contact Provider Notice Contact

12. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of that right, nor shall a single or partial exercise of any right preclude any other or further exercise of that right.

13. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, together with all attachments and exhibits expressly incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, negotiations and understandings, whether oral or written.

15. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired thereby, and the parties shall endeavor in good faith to replace the invalid provision with a valid provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the original economic, legal and commercial objectives of the invalid provision.

16. COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures delivered by electronic means or as scanned copies shall be treated as original signatures for all purposes.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Provider Name:

By:

Date:

What the Legal Common Era Contract Agreement Is

The Legal Common Era Contract Agreement is a standardized written contract used to record rights, duties, and expectations between named parties for a defined scope of work or exchange. It typically contains identification of the parties, a description of services or goods, payment terms, effective and termination dates, confidentiality provisions, dispute resolution, and governing law. This template is structured to be completed, signed, and retained in accordance with U.S. electronic signature laws and common commercial practices, and can be adapted for one-off transactions or recurring engagements.

Why this contract matters for clear, enforceable agreements

A clear contract reduces ambiguity about obligations, allocates risk, and creates enforceable expectations under state and federal law. It supports later enforcement, audit readiness, and consistent operational handling across departments.

Who commonly fills out the Legal Common Era Contract Agreement

Typical users include legal counsel, procurement staff, sales representatives, independent contractors, and small business owners who need a concise framework for commercial commitments.

Legal teams and in-house counsel who draft and negotiate standardized contract clauses across multiple transactions.
Procurement and purchasing staff who need uniform vendor terms, scope clarity, and payment schedules.
Small business owners and contractors who require a simple, enforceable agreement for services or goods.

Use this agreement when parties require a written, signed record that can be stored, audited, and produced under legal or regulatory review.

Representative signers and approvers

Corporate Counsel — General Counsel

Corporate counsel reviews clauses for liability, indemnity, intellectual property, and governing law to ensure the contract aligns with company policy and risk tolerance. Counsel typically approves final language, negotiates key terms, and records execution for corporate books.

Small Business Owner — Owner/Founder

A small business owner signs to accept scope, pricing, and delivery milestones. They must ensure names and tax identifiers match business registration and that payment and termination terms protect cash flow and operational obligations.

Essential elements to include in the agreement

A professionally drafted contract groups core provisions so each party understands legal obligations, timelines, and remedies. Below are the six most important components to include and review.

Parties & Recitals

Identify legal names and entity types for each party, include state of formation and a brief recital explaining the transaction background and intent.

Scope of Work

Describe deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, and attachments such as schedules, exhibits, or technical specifications that define performance expectations.

Payment Terms

State amounts, currency, invoicing cadence, late fees, and any retainers or escrow arrangements that govern compensation and timing.

Confidentiality

Define confidential information, permitted disclosures, duration of confidentiality obligations, and exceptions such as publicly available information.

Term & Termination

Specify the effective date, term length, renewal mechanics, and termination rights for cause or convenience including notice periods.

Governing Law

Designate the state law that will interpret the agreement and the venue for disputes; consider arbitration clauses if preferred.

Step-by-step: filling and executing the agreement

Follow these steps to create, review, and finalize the agreement in a compliant and auditable way.

01

Draft the document: Populate parties, scope, consideration, and dates accurately.
02

Review internally: Legal and finance verify risk, payment terms, and tax information.
03

Distribute for signature: Send to signers with clear field assignments and authentication.
04

Record and store: Save executed copies and audit logs in a secure repository.

Configuring an electronic workflow for the agreement

Set up these common workflow settings to ensure secure routing and accurate completion when using an e-signature platform.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA depending on sensitivity.
Reminders	Automatic reminders at set intervals until signature received.
Conditional Fields	Show or hide fields based on prior answers to reduce errors.
Bulk Send	Use for identical agreements sent to many recipients simultaneously.

Where to send and how signed copies are handled

Understand routing destinations, recipient handling, and where executed records should be stored.

Send to signers: Email or secure link to each required signer.
Signer authentication: Confirm identity via email, SMS, or higher assurance methods.
Capture audit trail: Record IP, timestamp, and actions for evidentiary support.
Distribute copies: Automatically send executed PDF and certificate to parties.

Technical requirements for digital signing and distribution

Ensure your signing platform supports common formats, authentication methods, and integrations to match operational needs.

Document formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML compatible.
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace.
Authentication options: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO/SAML.

Key filing and deadline dates to track

Certain tax and reporting dates may be relevant to payments or tax reporting associated with this agreement; track these dates carefully.

W-9 furnishing:

Provide upon payer request; no fixed deadline.

1099-NEC deadline:

File and furnish by Jan 31 for nonemployee compensation.

Individual tax return:

Form 1040 due April 15; extension to Oct 15 available.

I-9 retention:

Retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination.

FBAR deadline:

April 15 with automatic extension to Oct 15 for foreign accounts.

Contract lifecycle milestones and sequencing

Outlined below are the typical sequence stages from initial draft to post-execution handling.

01

Drafting and internal review

Prepare and circulate the initial draft for business and legal review.

02

Negotiation and revisions

Negotiate key terms and incorporate agreed amendments into a final draft.

03

Execution and signatures

All parties sign; capture audit trail and notarization if required.

04

Storage and distribution

Distribute executed copies and archive in a secure records system.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Using informal or inconsistent party names that do not match formation or tax records, causing enforcement, payment, or tax-reporting complications.
Leaving dates, amounts, or signature blocks blank before circulation, which can lead to disputes about effective date or payment obligations.
Failing to identify governing law or venue, increasing the likelihood of jurisdictional disputes and unexpected litigation costs.
Not capturing an audit trail or proof of consent for electronic signatures, weakening evidentiary support if a signature's authenticity is challenged.

Penalties and legal risks of incorrect or incomplete agreements

1099 penalties: From $60 per form for late filings.

I-9 violations: $281–$2,789 per violation range.

Intentional disregard: $660+ per information return with no cap.

Breach claims: Potential damages, injunctive relief, and legal fees.

Invalid signatures: Court may refuse enforcement without proper intent and attribution.

Confidentiality breaches: Regulatory fines and reputational harm possible.

eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot

Compare typical starting prices and basic capability indicators for common eSignature providers. signNow is listed first per platform comparison conventions.

	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	Yes, 7-day trial	Yes, trial varies	Yes, trial varies	Yes, trial varies	Yes, trial varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Plan dependent	Plan dependent	Plan dependent

Real-world examples of similar agreements in use

Practical examples illustrate how organizations adapt the contract to their workflows and compliance requirements.

Optica Ventures — COO

Optica automated execution to reduce turnaround time on investor agreements.

The platform enforced consistent templates and audit logs.
As a result, review cycles shortened, sign-off became traceable, and the company standardized contract language across deals to reduce legal review time and avoid inconsistent terms.

Martin Properties — Founder

Martin Properties used remote signing to close leases without in-person visits.

Signers completed documents on mobile devices.
The firm retained full signed PDFs with audit trails, enabling rapid occupancy turnover and consistent recordkeeping while maintaining compliance with state real estate disclosure requirements.

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about executing, validating, and storing the Legal Common Era Contract Agreement using electronic tools.

Need help? Contact support

Can this contract be electronically signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws adopted by most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are met.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is required where state law or the contract itself specifies it, commonly for real estate instruments and certain powers of attorney. Verify state rules for deeds and wills with the relevant Secretary of State or notary authority.
What authentication level is appropriate?
Choose authentication based on risk: email link or SMS code for low-risk agreements, knowledge-based authentication or ID verification for higher-assurance needs, and multifactor or enterprise SSO for sensitive transactions.
How long must executed copies be retained?
Retention depends on document type: IRS records generally three years (IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA six years (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and industry-specific rules may require longer retention periods.
What happens if a name or signature mismatches?
A mismatch can create enforceability questions. Correct names before execution where possible; consider re-execution or an amendment and preserve audit evidence showing intent and consent.
How do I add witness or notary fields?
Insert signature blocks labeled for witnesses and notaries. For remote notarization, ensure the chosen platform supports audio-video recording, identity proofing, and retention consistent with the state's RON requirements.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now