Statement of Work: Definition, What's Included
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Quick Facts — Statement of Work Lawyers
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What Is a Statement of Work?
A statement of work, or SOW, seeks to define liabilities, responsibilities, and work agreements between two parties, usually between a client and parties such as:
- An agency
- A contractor
- A service provider
In some cases, an SOW can also be used within an organization between different departments or teams. You will usually use a statement of work when you can describe work according to specific instructions or directions. Likewise, you should have tasks, conditions, and requirements that both parties can easily understand when creating an SOW. All in all, the statement of work defines what is — and what is not — included within a project.
Why Should You Use a Statement of Work?
The SOW should describe the following aspects of a specific project:
- Work requirements
- Performance expectations
- Design expectations
Businesses often use SOWs when working on a project with collaborators or contractors from outside the organization. You can also use an SOW to inform contractors or vendors bidding on your project.
Creating a statement of work has several additional benefits for project managers, including:
- Setting appropriate expectations: A statement of work allows you to manage and document expectations for your project. Statement of work documents go beyond what is usually included in cost estimates and/or project plans to add a layer of detail about what the project should accomplish and deliver and what the project will not cover. An SOW gives you the chance to flesh out details about what you will deliver.
- Refining the approach to the project: While you create the SOW, you will have the opportunity to refine your approach. For example, you may realize you need to adjust your cost estimate and/or timeline as you think of details you will need to add to the document.
- Stating clear deliverables: The level of detail included in a statement of work gives assurances to a client about what will be delivered.
- Clarifying in scope vs. out of scope: The SOW ensures there is a shared understanding of the project's goals and objectives. Overall, the SOW becomes the frame of reference for what is considered "in scope" or "out of scope" for a given project.
You may also use a statement of work in conjunction with related but separate documents such as a master services agreement (MSA) and/or request for proposal (RFP). A well-written statement of work outlines deliverables and tasks for a contractor or vendor, so it can provide a good foundation for these kinds of documents. That said, you should only write your SOW after you have agreed-upon guidelines and terms of the project. This will help prevent conflicts when negotiating a contract later on.
Here is an article about MSAs and another article about RFPs
What Should a Statement of Work Include?
While the format of a statement of work will vary depending on the industry of your business, successful SOWs follow some key guidelines.
You should ensure your SOW includes precise language relevant to the field of your business to avoid misinterpretations of requirements and terms. Although the SOW is a detailed document, it is only a general description of work and should reference supplementary documentation to specify particular tasks further.
A good statement of work will define the scope of a project as well as key performance indicators, or KPIs, of the agreement. You can then use these indicators to assess whether the conditions of the SOW are met.
Common sections found in a statement of work include:
Introduction
Start by explaining the work being done as well as who will be involved in the project. You can then lead into additional documentation such as a standing offer to set prices for services of products purchased and a formal contract that goes into additional detail beyond the information included in your SOW.
Purpose of the Project
Explain why you are initiating the project and the purpose of completing the project. You can do this by starting the section with a purpose statement followed by thoughtful answers to:
- Deliverables
- Objectives
- Return on investment
Scope of Work
Note the work that will need to be done to complete the project in this section. Include details such as the software and/or hardware needed and the process used to complete the work, including:
- Outcomes
- Time involved
- General steps to achieve the outcomes
Location of Work
The team working on the project may work at a central facility. Alternately, you may need site-specific work done, or team members could work remotely. Detail this information as well as where any necessary software and/or equipment will be located.
Tasks
Break down the general steps you have outlined already in the scope of work section into more detailed tasks. Make sure this section is as specific as possible, including any action that would be required to produce the project's deliverables. You might want to break tasks down into phases or milestones as well.
Deliverables
List all deliverables of your project, explaining what is due as well as when each deliverable is due. Include specific details that are relevant to your type of project, such as:
- Quantity
- Color
- Size
Image via Unsplash by marvelous
Schedule
Create a list detailing when deliverables must be completed. Details to cover may include:
- The vendor you are selecting to achieve each goal
- Kickoff
- Period of performance
- Review stage
- Development
- Implementation
- Testing
- Close of project
Milestones
This section should define the amount of time scheduled in order to complete your project, including the project's start date and proposed end date. Make sure to include information about billable hours per week and/or month, as well as any other details that relate to your project's schedule. Specificity is key here. For instance, you should note information about the maximum amount of billable hours for contracts or vendors.
Testing and Standards
List any industry standards the project must adhere to. You should also include information about testing of your product if applicable, listing:
- Who is involved in the testing process
- Equipment needed for testing
- Other resources
Definition of Success
Your statement of work should note what the stakeholder and/or sponsor will consider the successful completion of your project.
Other Requirements
If your project includes any other requirements, you should list those as well. Examples include:
- Other equipment needed to complete your project
- If team members must hold any required degrees and/or certifications
- Travel requirements
Payments
You can include payments relevant to your project if you have already created a budget. You should also state how payment will be delivered, for instance, upfront, after completion, or over the course of the project's duration. Some projects include payments after each milestone is completed, while others have payments on a fixed schedule.
Other Information
You may have other important information to include that does not fit into the above categories. You can list them in this section. Here is some additional information you might list:
- Travel pay
- Security issues
- Software and/or hardware restrictions
- Post-project support
Closure
Conclude your statement of work with information about how deliverables will be accepted as well as who will be in charge of delivering, reviewing, and signing off on deliverables. Your conclusion should also include final administration duties, such as ensuring everything is signed, closed, and archived.
When creating a document like a statement of work, it's important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help ensure you use specific language to appropriately describe your project in a way that all parties understand.
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Meet some of our Statement of Work Lawyers
Scott S.
I specialize in business law and contracts, with an emphasis on commercial transactions and negotiations, document drafting and review, employment, business formation, e-commerce, technology, healthcare, privacy, commercial real estate, data security and compliance. Specifically, I've drafted, reviewed and/or negotiated thousands of MSA's, NDA's, TOS', SAAS, sales, service, managed services, referral, reseller, royalty, finder’s fee, employment, contractor, consulting, advertising, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, management, artist, author, agency, photography, rental, lease, vendor, partnership, website, platform, application, privacy, non-compete, non-circumvent, confidentiality, IP ownership and licensing agreements so I'm very familiar with these types of documents. Practicing law since 2006, I worked in-house before starting my own solo practitioner law firm in 2011. I've worked with individuals and start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and every type of entity in between, always providing quality legal work that fits the exact needs of the person and/or business. I’m a graduate of the Benjamin Cardozo Law School and also have an English degree from Penn.
"Scott helped me reviewed the contracts and saved me from getting into a trap of an outsourced sales services provider from Philippines and Australia"
Briana C.
Legal services cost too much, and are often of low quality. I have devoted my law practice to providing the best work at the most affordable price—in everything from defending small businesses against patent trolls to advising multinational corporations on regulatory compliance to steering couples through a divorce.
"Briana was responsive and quick to put the draft together. It has been a pleasure working with her!"
Jason H.
Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.
"Jason was outstanding! Professional and Proactive. I was very happy with the services he provided."
Angela Y.
NJ and NY corporate contract lawyer and founder of a firm specializing in helping entrepreneurs. With a background in law firms, technology, and world class corporate departments, I've handled contracts and negotiations for everything from commercial leases and one-off sales agreements, to multi-million dollar asset sales. I love taking a customer-focused and business-minded approach to helping my clients achieve their goals. Other information: learning to surf, lover of travel, and one-time marathoner (NYC 2018) yulawlegal.com
"Angela is simply phenomenal. Nothing else to say; if she bids on your project, hire her!"
Allen L.
Clear, strategic legal guidance when you need it most—whether you're planning ahead or defending a position. Legal challenges shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. Whether you're building an estate plan, structuring a business, or navigating a dispute, my practice is built on clarity, care, and practical strategy. I work with clients who want real solutions—not just paperwork—through planning and advice that truly fits their goals, families, and businesses. Planning & Structure I focus on estate planning, asset protection, and business succession, helping individuals and entrepreneurs organize their assets, reduce risk, and prepare for every stage of life. Whether you're setting up your first living trust, shielding your business from liability, or updating an existing estate plan, you'll receive clear guidance, fixed-fee pricing, and responsive support from start to finish. Each plan I design is tailored to your real-world priorities: preserving wealth, avoiding unnecessary taxes and probate, and ensuring the people you love are protected when it matters most. I also focus on general business matters outlined below. Disputes & Defense When legal conflicts arise—disputed contracts, demand letters, settlement negotiations, or litigation decisions—I provide realistic risk assessment and strategic guidance. I help clients understand their actual exposure (not just best-case scenarios), identify leverage points, and navigate toward efficient resolution. If you're facing a legal claim or need to evaluate your position before responding, I can walk you through the realistic options and their costs. Services: Estate Planning & Asset Protection --Simple wills and powers of attorney --Living trusts for small estates --Buy-sell agreements for family businesses Business Formation & Agreements --LLC or S-Corp formation filings --Operating Agreements / Shareholder Agreements --Founder or Investor Agreements --Bylaws and Minutes templates --Registered agent setup guidance Contracts & Commercial Matters --Service Agreements (consulting, marketing, software, design, etc.) --Independent Contractor Agreements --Employment contracts and offer letters --Non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreements --Employee handbooks or HR policy updates --Termination or severance agreements --NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) --Partnership or Joint Venture Agreements --Sales or Vendor Contracts --Licensing or IP Agreements Terms and conditions SaaS Platforms --Terms of Service --Privacy Policy --Independent Contractor Agreements --Customer/User Agreements --Liability Waivers --Cancellation & Refund Policy --Non-Solicitation Clauses --Marketplace compliance documents Real Estate --Commercial lease drafting or review --Residential lease review --Purchase & sale agreements --Short-term rental (Airbnb) contracts --Property management agreements Professional Approach: I leverage modern legal research and writing technologies—including AI-assisted tools—to enhance the quality, speed, and clarity of my analysis. Like many legal professionals today, I use these tools to organize research, improve communication, and catch errors. On research tools: case law and statutory verification runs through a vLex/Fastcase subscription, and drafting and first-pass review is AI-assisted. Every analysis I provide is thoroughly reviewed and reflects my independent professional judgment as a licensed attorney. AI is a tool that supports my work; it does not replace it.
"I had a good experience working with Allen on my SOW terms. Prices were reasonable as well."
David A.
Graduated UF Law 1977. 40 years experience in Family Law/Divorce and Prenuptial Agreements. Rated "AV Preeminent" By Martindale Hubble, the oldest lawyer rating firm in the USA. Top 5% of attorneys in Florida as reviewed by Judges and other Lawyers (not client reviews). Personal prompt service and easy to contact--available 24/7. Good negotiator and very personable. My clients are my priority.
"David was very helpful, patient, and responsive on this project. He cares about his clients and works to build a relationship and address your needs. I would absolutely recommend David."
Charles K.
~ Charles Kramer - Technology, Contracts and Intellectual Property Attorney ~ www.linkedin.com/in/charleskramer I am a New York corporate and technology attorney. My experience includes: - representing high-tech companies (including software, military, manufacturing and computer game companies) in connection with negotiating and drafting (1) toolkit, enterprise, Saas, PaaS and other complex agreements and licenses with companies around the world; (2) joint-venture, sales, publishing and distribution agreements; and (3) general corporate agreements. - 5 years as General Counsel of a software company (and many more years representing it as outside counsel); - 3 years as an associate in the Wall Street law firm of Lord, Day & Lord (then the oldest law firm in New York City practicing under the same name); and - speaking at conferences on legal issues including at the annual Game Developers Conference and Miller Freeman's Digital Video Conference. I am comfortable working in areas where the technology -- and the related law -- are new. My recent work includes working as a contract attorney (extended on a month-by-month basis) as American counsel for a publicly traded Swiss industrial corporation with responsibility for drafting form contracts for its planned "industrial internet of things" digital services. Accordingly I am comfortable working in a corporate environment using modern collaboration tools. I also have experience as an actor. https://www.imdb.me/Cholly.Kramer Charles Kramer (917) 512-2721 (voice, voicemail, text)
"Charles was very informative and provided the best price for the work. Thanks again!"
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Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Statement of Work Projects
Need to pair down our SOW to only cover important items
"Very quick, great work Zachary."
Review Statement of Work
"Thorough explanations on comments/revisions and very prompt comms!"
Security Complinace Readiness
"I had a good experience working with Allen on my SOW terms. Prices were reasonable as well."
Reply From Allen L.
Thank you for the review — glad the SOW terms and pricing worked well for you. Reach out anytime if you need help down the road. -Allen
View MoreStatement of Work Contract for Marketing Operations Firm
"Great to work with. Very insightful. Experienced. Helped me craft an MSA & SOW for my marketing firm."
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Redlined Statement of Work
Location: Ohio
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Statement of Work
Page Count: 8
Number of Bids: 5
Bid Range: $395 - $500
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