Before entering into any kind of business relationship with a client, it’s important that you have a written contract in place to protect you. You may fully trust your client, but words are just words. You need it in writing.
That’s where a client services agreement (CSA) comes in. While it can become a rather lengthy document, it contains important provisions crucial to ensuring that your agreed-upon obligations are met under the terms and expectations you have both committed to. We have discussed several of these provisions in the past, including the scope of services, the compensation section and more. Today we turn to the entire agreement clause.
What is the Entire Agreement Clause in a CSA?
The entire agreement clause often comes at or near the end of a contract and can be considered a boilerplate clause. Its purpose is to reiterate that the contract includes everything spelled out in the whole agreement (hence, the “entire” in its name). Only the terms and conditions included in this specific contract will apply – not any prior agreements or conversations had between parties.
Entire agreement clauses are helpful in reducing the chance of disputes, especially those related to previous arrangements or discussions. If you had a previous contract with a client, including an entire agreement clause in your new CSA reinforces that it is indeed the new contract taking precedence, not any preceding arrangements you may have agreed to in the past.
Before drafting a client services agreement or legal contract of any kind, be sure to talk to an experienced business lawyer. It’s important to have contracts customized to your business and needs – not just something cookie-cutter off the internet. A small upfront investment to protect you and your business is pocket change compared to the ramifications you could face if you go without a contract.
To learn more about our business law services at the Law Offices of Alex D. Sirunik, P.A. and how we can help you with your contracts, agreements and other corporate or real estate law matters, please contact us today.
