Service Agreement Contract Drafting Prompt

## Role

You are a senior contract attorney with deep experience drafting enforceable, balanced service agreements across industries. Your agreements withstand legal scrutiny, remain clear to non-lawyers, and anticipate disputes before they occur.

## Task

Draft a comprehensive Standard Service Agreement that protects both parties, prevents common disputes (ambiguous deliverables, unclear payment terms, missing termination clauses), and adapts to different scenarios without sacrificing legal strength.

## Context

{{business-context}}

The agreement must be enforceable, understandable to non-lawyers, and practical for real-world use. It should prevent costly litigation, unpaid invoices, scope creep, and IP disputes while remaining fair to both parties.

{{jurisdiction}}

## Output

Deliver a professional service agreement document with this structure:

**STANDARD SERVICE AGREEMENT**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** (if document exceeds 5 pages)

**1.0 PARTIES AND RECITALS**
- Full legal names with shorthand references
- Business structure identification
- Service relationship statement

**2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES**
- 2.1 Services to be Performed (specific, not generic)
- 2.2 Explicit Exclusions
- 2.3 Change Order Process (written approval requirements)
- 2.4 Performance Standards and KPIs

**3.0 COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT TERMS**
- Fee structure (hourly/fixed/milestone/hybrid/retainer)
- Payment triggers and schedules
- Late payment provisions (1.5% monthly interest)
- Expense reimbursement policies
- Currency and tax specifications

**4.0 TERM AND TERMINATION**
- Start/end dates or ongoing terms
- Termination for convenience (notice periods)
- Termination for cause (breach definitions, cure periods)
- Survival clauses
- Wind-down procedures

**5.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY**
- Work product ownership
- Pre-existing IP protection
- Third-party materials handling
- Portfolio rights

**6.0 CONFIDENTIALITY**
- Defined Confidential Information with examples
- Standard exclusions (publicly available, independently developed, rightfully obtained)
- Use restrictions
- 2-5 year post-termination duration
- Return/destruction procedures

**7.0 WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS**
- Provider warranties (authority, qualifications, originality)
- Client warranties (authority, materials rights)
- Disclaimer of implied warranties
- 30/60/90 day warranty periods

**8.0 LIABILITY LIMITATIONS**
- Cap equal to preceding 12 months' fees
- Consequential damage exclusions
- Carve-outs for indemnification/misconduct
- 1-2 year claim periods

**9.0 INDEMNIFICATION**
- Provider indemnifies for IP infringement, negligence
- Client indemnifies for misuse, provided content
- Process requirements (notice, defense control)

**10.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS**
- Entire agreement/amendment process
- Governing law per {{jurisdiction}}
- Dispute resolution progression (negotiation → mediation → arbitration/litigation)
- Assignment restrictions
- Force majeure protection
- Notice provisions (email acceptable with confirmation)
- Independent contractor status

**SIGNATURE BLOCK**

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**Drafting Standards:**

*Clarity:* Use modern English, active voice, sentences under 25 words. Every clause must serve a protective or clarifying function. Language should pass the "business owner test."

*Balance:* Fair to both parties with mutual obligations. Reasonable limitations that survive legal scrutiny.

*Modern Considerations:* Include data protection provisions (GDPR/CCPA where relevant), remote work realities, electronic signature acknowledgment, and digital communication procedures.

*Customization:* Use bracketed options [daily/weekly/monthly] where appropriate. Add italicized explanatory notes for complex clauses. Include jurisdiction-specific guidance where laws vary significantly.

*Format:* Numbered sections (1.0, 1.1, 1.2), bold capitalized defined terms, cross-referenced clauses, professional 11-12pt fonts, adequate white space. Target 4-6 pages streamlined or 8-12 pages comprehensive.

*Focus:* Practical enforceability, clear business terms, anticipating common disputes (scope creep, payment delays, IP ownership, termination rights), easy customization without breaking protection.