A suggested contract template for freelance legal support professionals — covering agreed rates, scope of work, payment terms, confidentiality, and mutual expectations. Designed to protect both parties without requiring a solicitor.
Important notice: This document is an informal contract of engagement designed to be used between private individuals or between an individual and a small business. It is not a formal solicitor's retainer, a contract of employment, or a regulated legal services agreement. It is intended to create a clear, written record of the agreed terms between the parties so that expectations are shared, misunderstandings are avoided, and neither party is left feeling that their contribution has gone unrecognised.
Between: The Professional (the person providing support) and The Client (the person receiving support)
The Client is involved in legal proceedings or requires assistance with a legal matter. The Professional has significant practical experience in supporting legal cases and has agreed to provide assistance on the terms set out below. Both parties acknowledge that the Professional is not a qualified solicitor, barrister, or legal executive, and that this Agreement does not create a solicitor-client relationship. The Professional's role is to provide skilled, informed support — including research, document review, organisation, preparation, and general assistance — but not to conduct reserved legal activities as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007.
The Professional agrees to provide the following categories of support: document review, organisation, and bundle preparation; legal research and preparation of research summaries; drafting correspondence and written communications; preparation of chronologies, schedules, and case summaries; attendance at meetings, mediations, and court hearings (as a supporter, not advocate); financial analysis and preparation of asset/liability schedules; liaison with the Client's instructed solicitor or barrister; and general case management and administrative support.
The parties have agreed rates of compensation for the Professional's services — hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual — calculated using the UK Legal Professional Rate Calculator, which applies the Rule of Thirds methodology and current UK market benchmarks. The rate reflects the Professional's experience, the complexity of the Matter, and the cost savings to the Client arising from direct engagement rather than instruction of a law firm.
Covers billing cycles, 14-day payment terms, late payment interest provisions under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, and a structured process for disputed invoices.
Requires the Professional to maintain a contemporaneous time log recording all time spent on the Matter, providing transparency to the Client and an evidential record for the Professional.
Establishes strict confidentiality obligations covering all sensitive personal, financial, and legal information. Obligations survive termination of the Agreement indefinitely.
All work product created by the Professional belongs to the Client upon payment. The Professional retains no intellectual property rights in paid work product.
Sets out the Professional's duty of care and skill, while clearly acknowledging limitations — including that the Professional cannot provide regulated legal advice or guarantee outcomes.
Covers the agreement period, notice requirements for termination, and obligations on both parties when the engagement ends — including payment of outstanding invoices and return of documents.
Provides for good-faith discussion, mediation, and ultimately the courts of England and Wales. Governed by English and Welsh law.
Confirms this is the complete agreement between the parties, superseding all prior discussions. Any variation must be in writing and signed by both parties.
A structured form for describing the legal matter, including the nature of proceedings, court or tribunal, current stage, and key dates.
A table for recording any agreed changes to the scope of services after the Agreement has been signed, dated and initialled by both parties.
The full downloadable contract — ready to print, fill in, and sign — is included in the Complete Solution Bundle (£49.99), along with your personalised rate calculation and the Timekeeping & Invoicing Solution.
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This preview is provided for information only. The full document is a suggested template and does not constitute legal advice. The parties are encouraged to seek independent legal advice before signing. Based on standard English and Welsh contract law principles as of 2026.