Freelance Paralegal Contract Template

FREELANCE PARALEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

Document ID: TR-8842-PARA
Effective Date: [____/____/2026]

Instructions for Use

• Completion: This agreement must be completed by the Hiring Attorney/Firm and the Freelance Paralegal. Ensure all specific scope-of-work exhibits are appended before execution.
• Retention: Maintain a signed copy in both the Firm’s operational files and the Freelance Paralegal’s records for a minimum of 7 years post-termination.
• Mandatory Attachments: Ensure a current "Conflict of Interest Disclosure" and "Statement of Work (SOW)" are attached to this base agreement.

1. PARTIES

This Agreement is entered into by and between: Hiring Entity: [__________] ("Firm") Freelance Paralegal: [__________] ("Paralegal")

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Paralegal shall provide professional legal support services as defined in the attached Exhibit A (Statement of Work). The Paralegal shall operate as an independent contractor, not an employee.

3. COMPENSATION & BILLING

• Rate: [__________] per [hour / project]
• Invoicing: Invoices shall be submitted [monthly / bi-weekly] on the [__________] day of the cycle.
• Payment Terms: Net [__________] days from receipt of undisputed invoice.

4. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

The Paralegal acknowledges that they are not entitled to benefits, including but not limited to, health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave. The Paralegal is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY & ETHICS

The Paralegal shall adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct applicable in the jurisdiction of the Firm. All information, documents, and communications received from the Firm are strictly confidential.

• Return of Property: Upon termination, the Paralegal shall return or certify the destruction of all Firm-related digital and physical files.

6. TERM & TERMINATION

• Initial Term: [__________] to [__________]
• Termination: Either party may terminate this agreement with [__________] days written notice.

7. EQUIPMENT & EXPENSES

• The Paralegal shall provide their own hardware and software: [ ] Yes [ ] No
• The Firm shall reimburse pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses: [ ] Yes [ ] No

8. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Paralegal warrants that they have disclosed all previous and current engagements that may create a conflict of interest with the Firm’s ongoing or prospective cases.

EXECUTION

FOR THE FIRM: Authorized Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [__________]
Title: [__________]
Date: [____/____/2026]

FOR THE PARALEGAL: Authorized Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [__________]
Title: Independent Contractor
Date: [____/____/2026]

Disclaimer: This document is provided as a standardized framework. Consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific statutory compliance.