Most consulting disputes start with a vague scope. This statement of work states what will be delivered, by when, to what standard and at what price, and gives both sides a basis for acceptance and for changes. It runs from objectives and phases through scope, team, fees, expenses and signatures.

The sample is a 16-week, $126,000 fixed-fee engagement from Everdale Systems, a fictional firm, for Larkfield Logistics. Every deliverable has an acceptance test, a five-day review window and a payment tied to it. Replace the parties, dates, scope, rates and payment schedule with your own, then check that the totals still add up.