An Independent Contractor Agreement defines engagement terms for non-employee service providers. This playbook guides drafting on scope of work, ownership of deliverables, and classification risk mitigation.
Why This Matters: Clear payment terms prevent cash-flow issues, reduce the potential for billing disputes, and ensure compliance with payroll or contractor regulations.
Negotiation strategy
If you're the Company:
Ensure the fee structure specifies the rate and frequency of payment. Confirm the payment schedule aligns with company policy and industry standards.
If you're the Contractor:
Negotiate for clear invoicing procedures that include necessary details and contact information. Ensure expense reimbursements require pre-approval and proper documentation.
Essential elements
1
Fee Structure
Defines compensation rate and terms.
2
Payment Schedule
Specifies timing of payments.
3
Invoicing Procedures
Details invoice submission process.
Action framework
ACCEPT
Propose edits if payment terms are unclear or do not align with industry standards.
EDIT
Reject clauses that lack transparency or fairness in compensation terms.
ADD
Add clauses to address missing elements like dispute resolution or regional compliance.
PRO TIP
Always ensure that payment terms are clearly defined to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
Example clauses
FAVORABLE
Preferred Fee Structure
"The Contractor shall be compensated at the rate of $[insert rate] per hour/day/week/month, as applicable, for services rendered under this Agreement. The rate is inclusive of all taxes and duties, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement."
NEUTRAL
Fallback Payment Schedule
"Payments to the Contractor shall be made on a [weekly/bi-weekly/monthly] basis. The Contractor shall submit an invoice to the Company at the end of each [week/bi-week/month] detailing the services performed and the amount due. Payment shall be made within [insert number] days of receipt of the invoice."
UNFAVORABLE
Lack of Transparency
"The Contractor will be paid as agreed without further details on the rate or schedule."
Fallbacks
High-Risk Projects
For high-risk projects, ensure payment terms include milestones and holdbacks to mitigate risk.
International Contracts
In international contracts, consider currency fluctuations and include clauses for currency adjustments.
Short-Term Engagements
For short-term engagements, ensure expedited payment terms to maintain contractor cash flow.
FEATURED SOLUTIONS
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Turn your contracts into structured insights. With Repository AI, DocJuris analyzes every imported agreement—so you always know what’s expiring, auto-renewing, or exposing risk. Total visibility, zero guesswork.
Unlike complex CLMs with long implementations and steep learning curves, DocJuris is built for speed and simplicity. We integrate with your workflow—whether connecting to a CLM or uploading agreements manually—so you're up and running in days, not months.
WEEK 1
CLM Readiness and Design
Our CX team works with you to understand your contracting challenges, prioritize key workflows, and identify the biggest impact areas. We build a tailored implementation plan that fits your needs.
WEEK 2
Install Module
We connect DocJuris to your contract repositories, set up admin and user accounts, and ensure your environment is ready for success.
WEEK 3
Deliver & Test
Your team builds initial playbooks, reviews existing clause libraries, and trains the DocJuris agent to align with your internal standards and negotiation positions.
WEEK 4
Launch
We support you in rolling out DocJuris to a pilot group or your full organization—with launch materials, training, and hands-on support to drive adoption from day one.
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