How to Review a Client Contract in 10 Minutes (A Freelancer's Checklist)
You don't need a law degree to protect yourself from a bad contract. You need a systematic process. This checklist covers the 8 sections every freelance contract must have — and the 5 questions to ask before signing.
The 8 Sections Every Contract Must Have
A contract missing any of these is incomplete — and the gaps will be filled against you in a dispute.
1. Scope of Work
A specific, measurable list of deliverables. Not "design the website" — but "design 5 web pages as outlined in Appendix A."
Red flag: Vague descriptions that could expand ("and any other related tasks the Client may require").
2. Payment Terms
- Total project fee OR hourly rate
- Deposit amount (30–50% upfront is standard)
- Milestone payment schedule
- Due date for final payment
- Late payment penalty
Red flag: "Payment upon completion" with no defined completion criteria.
3. Timeline and Deadlines
Specific dates for deliverables AND client feedback windows. If you deliver on time but the client takes 3 weeks to give feedback, can they penalize you for "missing" a deadline?
Add this: "Client feedback required within [X] business days of delivery. Delay in feedback extends subsequent deadlines by an equal period."
4. Revision Policy
A fixed number of revision rounds. "Until satisfied" or "as needed" is open-ended and dangerous.
Standard terms: 2–3 rounds of revisions per deliverable. Additional rounds at your hourly rate.
5. IP and Ownership
Who owns the work? When does ownership transfer? Do you retain portfolio rights?
Standard: IP transfers to client upon full payment only.
6. Termination Clause
What happens if the client cancels? Are you paid for completed work? What's the notice period?
Minimum standard: Any work completed before termination is paid within 14 days, regardless of reason.
7. Confidentiality (NDA)
Is what's "confidential" clearly defined? Does it expire?
8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
Which country or state's law applies? You don't want to have to go to a foreign court to resolve a payment dispute.
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The 5 Questions to Ask Before Signing
- 1"Can I see it with the changes I've requested?" — If they refuse to negotiate any terms, that's a red flag.
- 2"Who is the legal entity I'm contracting with?" — Know who you can actually enforce against.
- 3"What counts as project completion?" — Get a written definition.
- 4"What happens if payment is late?" — If they have no process, take that as a warning.
- 5"What happens to the IP if the project is cancelled halfway?" — Their answer reveals their values.
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