Statement of Work Template
for agencies.
A clean SOW that lists scope, milestones, payment terms, and IP rights. IP, kill fees, change order language.
Get the templateWhat's included
- Scope of services
- Milestones
- Deliverables
- Payment schedule
- IP rights
- Termination
- Confidentiality
Why this version
IP, kill fees, change order language.
Adapted from contracts we've negotiated dozens of times.
How agencies use this template.
For agencies, SOW templates need IP, kill fees, and change-order language. The agency-specific bits: IP transfer happens on final payment; kill fees apply if client cancels mid-engagement (usually 50% of remaining); change orders are written addendums signed before extra work. Many agencies also include "right to portfolio" clauses — letting the agency showcase the work after a delay.
agencies-specific gotchas
- IP transfer on final payment, not earlier — protects against non-payment
- Kill fees should be 50%+ of remaining at minimum
- Change orders must be written and signed — verbal doesn't count
- Right to portfolio matters — negotiate up front
- Liability cap should be one project fee or less
An agency uses this SOW template for 6 client engagements. Three client disputes are resolved cleanly because the SOW explicitly addressed them. Total legal cost saved: ~$30k.
Common agencies questions
How long should the SOW be?
5-8 pages. Avoid 50-page legal templates that nobody reads.
When do we use a separate MSA?
For repeat-engagement clients. MSA covers terms; SOW covers project-specifics.
Templates are starts.
If you want senior practitioners filling in this template for a specific agencies engagement, brief us.
Brief us