Need a Legal And Professional Services Contract in California? AroundWire Can Help

In California, contracts for Legal and Professional Services are governed by a combination of state statutes, local regulations, and public agency procurement policies. Service providers must hold appropriate state-issued licenses or certifications; attorneys must be in good standing with the California State Bar, and other professionals (e.g., accountants, engineers) must meet relevant licensing board requirements. Contracts typically specify the scope of services, deliverables, and clear performance standards. California law generally prohibits contingency fee arrangements for public agency contracts and requires transparency regarding conflicts of interest, particularly under the California Political Reform Act and Government Code Section 1090. Insurance is a standard requirement: contractors are usually required to maintain general liability, professional liability (errors and omissions), and workers’ compensation coverage, with minimums specified in the solicitation. Payment terms often follow the state’s Prompt Payment Act, with net 30 days as a common standard, but may be subject to negotiation. Risk allocation provisions, including indemnification and limitation of liability, are closely scrutinized and often non-negotiable in public contracts. Dispute resolution preferences typically favor mediation and arbitration over litigation, but some state and local agencies may require disputes to be resolved in California state courts. Data privacy and confidentiality clauses are emphasized, especially for services involving sensitive information. All contracts must comply with prevailing wage laws (if applicable), non-discrimination statutes, and, for public procurements, public records and open meeting requirements.