Agreements That ActualLY Protect You.
A contract isn't just a formality — it's the document you'll wish you had when something goes wrong. Most contract disputes come down to what wasn't written clearly enough.
Handshake deals feel fine until they don't. Templated contracts from the internet look professional until they fail to hold up when you need them most.
Ipanema Law drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts built for the specific way your business operates. Not generic. Not one-size-fits-all. Agreements designed to protect your interests, set clear expectations, and reduce the risk of disputes.
From client agreements to vendor contracts to partnership terms, we make sure every deal you enter is structured to work in your favor, and that you actually understand what you're signing.
What's Included
Client service agreements
Independent contractor and employee agreements
NDAs and confidentiality agreements
Partnership and co-founder agreements
Vendor and supplier contracts
Licensing agreements
Website terms of service and privacy policies
Contract review and redlining
Negotiation support
Who This Is For
Founders entering into client or vendor relationships
Businesses bringing on contractors or employees
Creative professionals who need strong client agreements
Anyone who's been handed a contract and needs to understand what it actually says
FAQ: Contracts & Agreements
Q: Can't I just use a template I find online? A: Templates are a starting point, not a solution. Generic templates are often missing provisions specific to your industry, don't account for your state's laws, and may have clauses that actually work against you. A poorly drafted contract can be worse than no contract at all — it creates a false sense of protection. We'll make sure your agreements are built for how your business actually operates.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to review a contract someone else sent me? A: If the contract matters to your business, yes. Most contracts sent by vendors, clients, or partners are written to protect them — not you. A review can surface unfavorable terms, missing protections, and negotiation opportunities you wouldn't otherwise see. It's almost always worth the cost of a review to avoid a costly dispute later.
Q: What should every client services agreement include? A: At minimum: a clear scope of work, payment terms, what happens if the project changes, who owns the final work product, confidentiality provisions, a termination clause, and a dispute resolution process. Most template agreements are missing at least one of these.
Q: I work with independent contractors. Do I need contracts with them? A: Yes — and not just for protection. Properly structured contractor agreements help establish that the relationship is truly independent (not employment), which matters for tax purposes and to avoid misclassification liability. They should also clearly address IP ownership and confidentiality.
Q: What's an NDA and when do I need one? A: A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a contract that protects confidential information shared between parties. You should use one before sharing proprietary information with potential partners, vendors, investors, or contractors. Mutual NDAs protect both sides; one-way NDAs protect only one party's information. We'll make sure yours is enforceable and appropriate for the situation.
Q: Can you help me if I'm already in a contract dispute? A: Yes. We can review the contract, assess your position, and advise on your options — whether that's negotiating a resolution, sending a demand letter, or escalating further. The sooner you get counsel involved, the more options you typically have.