Don't DIY your design contracts and legal work
Too many designers DIY their legal work - either by purchasing cheap templates from the internet or (worse still!) copying and pasting from contracts they find online.
Here’s why that’s a really bad idea:
You're not a lawyer!
The legal world is complex and always changing. A lawyer specialised in your jurisdiction and the laws around design will know the ins and outs of the design industry and will be up to date with the latest legal developments. If they aren’t then get a new lawyer :)
Generic templates won't cover all the bases for your specific needs. A lawyer can tailor your contract to fit your business model, where you live and work plus your specific and unique project requirements.
Experienced lawyers can anticipate issues you've never even thought of and include clauses to protect you from common industry pitfalls.
If things go badly, you want your contract to hold up in court. A properly drafted contract is more likely to be enforceable if you ever need to rely on it.
Lawyers can translate complex legalese into clear, unambiguous terms that both you and your clients can understand.
A local lawyer will make sure your contract complies with all relevant laws in your jurisdiction that are specific to the design industry.
When clients want to haggle over terms, you need backup. A lawyer can advise you on which changes are okay and which ones might leave you exposed.
DIY contracts often have gaping holes. You might think you've covered everything, but there's probably crucial elements you've overlooked.
Time is money. While hiring a lawyer costs you money upfront, it saves you endless headaches and potential legal battles down the road.
Industry norms matter. Lawyers who specialise in design know what's standard practice and can ensure your contract aligns with industry expectations.
A specialised lawyer will include clauses to safeguard your intellectual property and prevent idea theft.
A solid, lawyer drafted contract shows clients you take your work seriously. You are working on their largest financial asset - you should take that responsibility seriously and invest in protecting yourself (and them)
A lawyer can easily modify your contract as you expand your services or take on new types of projects.
By copying other people’s contracts you might accidentally use outdated clauses, irrelevant terms and you will most likely be infringing on someone else's copyright.
For complex jobs, a lawyer can create sophisticated contracts that address multiple “what if” scenarios.
A good lawyer can navigate the legal requirements of different states or countries (if you work across borders)
A lawyer can ensure your contract upholds industry ethical standards and help you protect your reputation.
Getting your legal work done by someone who knows what they are doing means you will be more confident and be able to focus on what you do best - creating amazing designs.
Yes, working with a good lawyer will be a cost outlay upfront. But the cost of an experienced lawyer is nothing compared to the potential nightmare of a DIY contract gone wrong.
PS: None of this is legal advice - just some thoughts from my own experience of working with thousands of designers on growing their businesses and the things I’ve seen go wrong.
Thanks for reading and catch you in my next post :)
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
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