Master Service Agreement
Chicago Master Service Agreement Attorney
As a vendor or service provider, you will develop business relationships that will go beyond a one-time deal. Renegotiating terms each time you get involved with a new project would be a painstaking endeavor, but with a Master Service Agreement, you will be able to easily engage in new projects while maintaining your productivity.
Our contract attorneys at Motiva Business Law will help you streamline your transactions by drafting and negotiating MSA and Statements of Work. By our side, you can enter new deals with ease, trusting that your business is protected and working at its full productivity.
Motiva Business Law Offers
- Master Service Agreements
- Statement of Work (SOW)
- SAFE Agreements
- Convertible notes
- Website Terms and Conditions (TOCs)
- Privacy Policy
- Shareholders agreements
- Operating Agreement
What is a master service Agreement?
A master service agreement is a contract that outlines the business relationship between two parties and defines the terms and conditions for current and future activities.
An MSA is a powerful tool for vendors and clients. A Master Service Agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which future Statements of Work will be executed. By setting up a framework, future transactions move easily because they can skip the burden of re-negotiating terms.
What to Include in an MSA?
Although the structure of a Master Service Agreement varies according to your professional needs, the following are some of the elements you should include in the contract:
- Payment terms: Defines the payment structure and any penalties for late payments.
- Work standards: Describes the acceptable quality standards of the service to be delivered.
- Geography: If applicable, determines the geographic area in which the services will be delivered.
- Limitations of liability: Outlines how the legal responsibility is assigned to the parties.
- Warranties: Through this clause, the vendor assures the deliverables are free from defects
- Indemnification: Sets a compensation procedure in the event any of the parties suffer a loss associated with the project
- Confidentiality clauses: Typically used to protect the client, they prohibit the parties from sharing sensitive information.
- Intellectual property rights: Specifies how to handle ownership over intellectual property.
- Termination: Determines the conditions under which either party can withdraw from the deal.
- Dispute resolution: States a procedure to solve conflicts.
What is a Statement of Work (SOW)?
A Scope of Work (SOW) is a legal document that describes the details of a specific business transaction. SOWs are typically used when working with independent contractors or agencies to clarify the expectations of each project.
A Statement of Work will include the following terms:
- Summary: Overview of the project, goals, and expectations.
- Work breakdown: Clearly define the work to be performed, including specific tasks, deliverables, and exclusions.
- Delivery dates: Outline the project schedule, including key milestones and deadlines.
- Timeline: Describe each task and its due dates
- Resources: Specify the personnel, equipment, facilities, and any other resources required to complete the project.
- Payment terms: Specifies the estimated cost and payment schedule
Difference Between an MSA and SOW
Master Service Agreements are typically used to govern long-term business relationships, while a Statement of Work lays out the terms of a specific transaction.
For example, if you hire a transportation company to deliver your products across the state, you will need a Master Service Agreement to define the general terms of the partnership, including warranties, confidentiality, dispute resolution, and limitation of liability.
But if you want to engage the logistic company in a specific project, such as the delivery of your products in Oak Brook, a Statement of Work will come in handy. The SOW, based on the MSA, will define the specifics of the project, such as the delivery dates, payments, handling of the cargo, etc.
Why is having an MSA or a SOW crucial for your business?
Master Service Agreements and Statement of Work contracts clearly define the terms of your business relationship and help set clear expectations for both parties. By using these contracts you can:
- Set out the general terms of a business relationship and use the contract as a foundation for future projects without the need to renegotiate terms
- Streamline the process of entering new agreements with consistent terms that can apply to multiple transactions
- Have a fair payment for the service you provided
- Avoid disputes and misunderstandings
- Minimize risk and protect your business
- Build trust with your clients by showing commitment to a long-term business relationship
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What Our Clients Say
Danya was a pleasure to work with. She was very professional, courteous, and had the expertise and knowledge to review our lease and franchise agreements. She gave great insight and recommendations on how we can protect ourselves and our business and to ensure the agreements were fair for both parties. I will be using her for future business law needs and highly recommend her to those looking for a business law expert.
Sadaf F.
Danya is just amazing, she execute my lease with one of the biggest property groups in US. she explained and changed the language to protect me. she makes you feel protected and comfortable. Highly recommended, she knows what she's doing 1000%. Thank you Danya 🙂
Amer G.
Danya is SO knowledgeable and is able to break down the law into very simple and understandable terms. She is amazing, and a huge asset to small businesses in the area. Make sure she's on YOUR side of the aisle! I highly recommend calling Danya and Motiva Business Law.
Kenny A.
MSA and SOW Frequently Asked Questions
You need an MSA if you have a business that plans to get involved in a long-term business relationship with a vendor, supplier, contractor, or service provider.
Although your business contract would still be enforceable if you use a template, it is key that an attorney handles this contract to ensure the unique needs of your business are covered and you are protected,
While an MSA describes the general terms of a business relationship related to payment terms, warranties, termination, and liability limitations, an SOW is describes the terms of a specific project regarding the hourly rates, service fees, and timeline.