Consultancy Agreement Lawyers
Specialist employment lawyers in London and the South East – supporting consultants, contractors, freelancers and senior executives with contract advice and negotiation.
Contracts that work for you – whatever your next move.
If you’re stepping into consultancy, going freelance, accepting a non-executive role or advising through your own company, the terms of your agreement matter. They affect how you’re paid, how you work – and how protected you are if things go wrong.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we advise individuals moving between executive and self-employed roles across a wide range of sectors, such as financial services, professional services, healthcare, technology and transport and logistics. That includes senior professionals entering portfolio careers, contractors taking on complex projects and directors engaging as advisers or non-executives.
How we help
Whatever your situation, we provide:
- Tailored contract reviews – Clear, thorough advice on your rights and risks.
- IR35 and employment status guidance – So you stay compliant and protected.
- Negotiation support – To secure better terms or resolve disputes.
- Strategic career planning – Helping you structure work across multiple engagements.
- Expert drafting – From bespoke agreements to amendments and side letters.
We’re known for our clear, commercially-focused advice and deep expertise in employment law. Ranked in The Legal 500, accredited by Lexcel and members of the Employment Lawyers Association, our solicitors work with clients in London, the South East and across the UK.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
Contractual protection at every stage of your career
From executive to consultant – making the transition securely
Moving from a permanent senior role to consultancy brings flexibility – but also legal and financial exposure. We help you manage that transition with tailored advice on:
- Ensuring your consultant or contractor status is genuine.
- IR35 and off-payroll working rules and the risk of deemed employment.
- Avoiding restrictive or controlling terms.
- Navigating conflict, exclusivity and non-compete provisions.
- Protecting IP, confidential information and client relationships.
- Structuring renewals, retainers or rolling engagements.
If you’re working via a personal service company or sole trader model, we’ll ensure your agreement reflects that and minimises risk.
Legal support for consultants, contractors and freelancers
We review, draft and negotiate consultancy agreements that do more than define deliverables. Our aim is to secure contracts that protect your independence, reflect your value and stand up to scrutiny.
We advise on:
- Scope of work, deliverables and standards.
- Payment terms, late payment rights and invoicing mechanics.
- Intellectual property and ownership of work.
- Limitation of liability and indemnity clauses.
- Data protection and confidentiality provisions.
- Termination, notice periods and renewal mechanisms.
In sectors with heightened regulatory obligations – including financial services, professional services and public sector work – we tailor our advice to the standards and risks that apply.
Executive service agreements – contracts for senior leadership
If you’re returning to an employed role, joining a board or taking up a directorship, you’ll likely be offered an executive service agreement. These contracts often involve complex pay structures, responsibilities and termination clauses.
We support clients with:
- Remuneration, bonus and LTIP arrangements.
- Board duties and director accountability.
- Notice periods, garden leave and termination triggers.
- Restrictive covenants and post-employment restrictions.
- Governance, indemnity and regulatory clauses.
We’ll make sure your service agreement aligns with your goals – and gives you clarity, security and negotiating power from day one.
Meet our employment law partners
Why choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
- Recognised experts – Ranked in the Legal 500, accredited by Lexcel and members of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Employment law specialists – Focused exclusively on workplace matters, including consultancy and executive contracts.
- Accessible and flexible – Offices in London and the South East, with remote advice wherever you’re based.
- Fast, commercial support – Sector-aware, responsive and fast to act – especially when timing, relationships or reputation are key.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Speak to a consultancy agreement lawyer today.
Starting a new consultancy or contracting role? Reviewing your current terms? We’re here to make sure your contract works for you – with clear, commercial advice that fits your goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is an executive service agreement?
An executive service agreement is a formal employment contract for senior executives or directors. It often includes terms around pay, duties, share options, bonuses and post-employment restrictions. Our contract lawyers ensure these agreements reflect your responsibilities and provide the legal protections expected at board level.
What’s the difference between an employee contract and a consultancy agreement?
An employment contract creates an employer-employee relationship, with rights like sick pay and unfair dismissal protection. A consultancy agreement is for independent contractors or self-employed professionals. It gives you more freedom but less protection. Our contract lawyers advise on both and help you avoid confusion, especially where IR35 and 'off payroll working' needs to be factored or where control clauses could blur the line.
What should be included in a consultancy agreement?
A strong consultancy agreement should cover: services and deliverables, payment terms, timelines, confidentiality, liability, IP ownership, termination rights and dispute resolution. For some roles, exclusivity or non-compete clauses may apply. Our consultancy agreement lawyers will ensure your agreement is thorough, fair and aligned with your role and legal status.
How can I avoid IR35 problems in my consultancy contract?
IR35 rules assess whether, when working via a corporate entity, you’re genuinely self-employed or effectively working like an employee. To avoid issues, your contract must reflect your independent status - from control and substitution clauses to how you're paid. We review your consultancy agreement with IR35 in mind and help you reduce risk of reclassification by HMRC.
Do I need a lawyer to review my consultancy agreement?
Yes. A consultancy agreement sets out your responsibilities, payment terms and legal exposure. Poorly drafted contracts can create tax risks, personal liability or even unintended employment status. Our consultancy agreement lawyers review or negotiate contracts to ensure your terms are clear, compliant and commercially sound - whether you’re starting out or taking on a high-value role.
Do I need a consultancy agreement if I’m working through my own company?
Yes. Even if you operate through a limited company or personal service company, you should have a clear written agreement. It protects your business, clarifies your obligations and helps demonstrate independence for IR35 and tax purposes. We can review or draft contracts that work for your structure.
Can I negotiate the terms of a consultancy agreement?
Yes. While some agreements are presented as non-negotiable, key terms such as payment schedules, liability, termination and intellectual property can often be adjusted. We advise on what’s standard, what’s fair and where changes are essential to protect your interests - especially in high-value or long-term engagements.
Can I be held liable under a consultancy agreement?
Yes, a consultancy agreement is usually a legally enforceable contract. Consultants can be held personally liable for mistakes or losses. This is why your contract should include appropriate limits on liability and clear indemnity clauses. We help you identify risks and negotiate protections, especially if you're working in sectors like finance, tech or professional services.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.