Reading the Fine Print (and Learning the Hard Way)

(Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer. If you’re ever in doubt, hire one. Do not construe the following as legal advice.)

I’ve worked in public affairs for years managing coalitions, running advocacy campaigns, working across agencies and organizations.

I’ve reviewed scopes. I’ve negotiated MOUs. I’ve seen the fine print.

But when I started consulting on my own, I realized just how different it feels when you’re the one being hired — especially in external-facing work, where deliverables aren’t always black-and-white and relationship-building is part of the job.

Also? I was used to having access to a legal team. Suddenly, I was the legal team and adjusting to life without a contracts lawyer on call was a shift I wasn’t fully prepared for.

Suddenly, “basic paperwork” felt high-stakes. Every clause was personal. Every delay hit my bank account directly.

It turns out knowing how to review contracts is not the same as knowing how to write them, pitch them, or hold your own when something goes sideways.

"Public affairs runs on trust - but even trust needs a contract."

What I’ve Learned So Far

1. Scope creep is real.
Without clear boundaries, that two-hour kickoff call becomes four and suddenly you’re roped into meetings you didn’t know existed. Be explicit about what’s included (and what’s not) in the scope of work.

2. Deadlines protect you, not just the client.
It’s tempting to be flexible, especially when you’re trying to collaborate. But timelines help manage expectations and ensure the project doesn’t drag (or go unpaid) indefinitely. This doesn’t always need to be in the contract, but a shared understanding of timing is crucial.

3. You don’t need legalese to make it binding.
A solid contract can be clear and human. Bullet points are fine. Plain English is your friend. The goal is shared understanding, not an audition for Law & Order.

4. Email counts.
In small gigs, the “contract” might just be an email: “Here’s what we agreed to. Can you confirm?” It’s not ideal, but it’s better than a verbal handshake. Public affairs is built on trust, but even trust benefits from clarity.

Key Contract Questions to Ask

These aren’t just for lawyers, they’re for you, so you’re not chasing money or juggling vague asks two months in:

• What am I actually delivering?
  Be specific. A “strategy memo” could mean three pages or thirty. I like to outline deliverables in an appendix or scope rather than in the body of the contract, but that’s just me.

• What’s the timeline?
  Is there a final due date? Are there milestones in between? Who’s keeping things on track?

• Who’s the point of contact?
  Especially important with large organizations or coalitions. One clear channel = fewer crossed wires.

• How will I get paid and when?
  Flat fee or hourly? Invoiced monthly or at completion? Is there a deposit? (Hint: There should be. Or at least partial payment up front.)

• What happens if the scope changes?
  You don’t need legalese. Just a line like: “Additional work will be scoped and billed separately.”

• Can I list this project publicly?
  If you’re building a portfolio, this matters. Ask about attribution, confidentiality, and any social media or communications clauses.

• What if things go wrong?

  No one writes a contract hoping for disputes, but planning ahead protects you and your client. Include a short clause that spells out how to end the engagement— what notice is required, how final deliverables get handed off, and how outstanding payments are settled.

A Few Tools That Helped Me

• Google Sheets to track hours and build invoice templates. I am also trying Zoho Invoice as a free automated invoicing platform.

• Juro has a handy guide on contract terminology and software to draft contracts that I have not tried.

• Freelancers Union for sample contract templates

• Zoom for free 45-minute intros, or Google Meet for simple scheduling

Honestly? Sometimes I still Google “freelance contract template” and tweak whatever feels close. You don’t have to build everything from scratch, you just have to be thoughtful.

Final Thought: You Can Learn This

I used to think contracts were for lawyers and procurement teams. But I’ve learned — slowly, imperfectly — that they’re also tools of self-respect. They clarify expectations. They protect your time. They help people work better together.

So if you’re out here figuring it out solo: you’re not behind. You’re learning a skill that matters and that you’ll use long after this phase is over.

You’re not a lawyer. But you are the CEO of your own time. Read the fine print accordingly.