MSA Agreement: Definition, What's Included
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What is an MSA Agreement?
A Master Service Agreement (MSA) is a legal contract that defines the basic terms and conditions that will govern future transactions or agreements between a service provider and another entity. MSA agreements are helpful to parties to the contract, including clients, because they make it easy to do business together by providing a clear pathway and structure to create new agreements.
In this article, we will go over why an MSA agreement is important, what it should include, and how it is different from a statement of work. Then, we’ll offer some helpful advice that you can you if you still need help.
Why Use an MSA Agreement?
Master Service Agreements (MSAs) are legally binding agreements between two or more parties that lay the groundwork for future agreements or transactions. When companies have ongoing relationships with clients or other entities, MSAs make it easier to enter contracts and can also speed up contract negotiations.
Here are some of the benefits master services agreements offer:
- Makes the contract process straightforward
- Sets a foundation for expectations of all parties
- Allows companies to plan for the future
- Gives parties more time to respond to contract proposals since the basic details are already in place
- Saves time and money
- Allows for more flexibility in long-term business relationships
- Gives specific instructions on what to do in the event of a missed deadline, property damage, missed payment, and more.
Check out this article to learn more about why MSA agreements are useful.
What Should an MSA Agreement Include?
When you create a Master Service Agreement (MSA), several major areas must be addressed. Ensuring that your agreement is as complete as possible will help streamline business processes, maintain healthy relationships between all parties to the agreement, and set a solid foundation for an ongoing partnership.
Here are the top areas that must be covered in any successful MSA:
Management of Products and Projects
Master service agreements should state who is responsible for delivering and receiving products, who will take care of them, and how they will be handled. Project management information determines who will make sure any project stays on track to meet deadlines and what steps can be taken if anything goes awry.
Financial Guidelines
An essential part of any project is what makes the world go round: money. An MSA should clearly state when payments are due, how they will be taken, and what happens if a late payment occurs. This portion of the contract should also state who is responsible for keeping track of payments.
Insurance Information
Insurance is a vital part of project protection and cannot be overlooked. Remember to include details about who provides insurance, who pays for it, and what the coverages are in your MSA. Don’t forget to mention what the penalties are if insurance premiums are not paid.
Project and Product Protection
No matter how well you plan, things can go wrong. Having a process set up for backup funding and escrow is a great way to protect all parties to the contract. Make sure your agreement has specific details about who is responsible for these.
Scope of Work
Including details about the scope of work such as what work is to be done, who will do it, and how long it will take is a great way to keep everyone informed and on the same page. Placing information about this in the master service agreement clearly defines party responsibilities, which will make the relationship more productive in the long run.
Subcontractors
From time to time, you may need the help of a third party, such as an independent contractor , to complete a project, so it is a good idea to include this in the MSA. Make sure all the rules and guidelines regarding how this type of individual will be hired, what standards they are held to, and who is responsible for keeping the project in check.
Indemnification Clause
An indemnification clause is a liability clause that serves to shift the potential of liability from one party to another. Make sure it is clear who is liable for things like damages, penalties, and lawsuits.
Non-Solicitation Clause
A non-solicitation clause makes it illegal for one company to steal employees or partners from another. Including this in your MSA protects your workforce from being poached by a competitor. It is worth noting that the enforceability of a non-solicitation clause may vary based on jurisdiction.
Force Majeure Clause
If a natural or unavoidable event happens that causes damage or would otherwise cause parties to violate one or more terms of a contract, the force majeure clause removes liability from parties. This is essential to protecting businesses when unforeseen circumstances arise that cannot be prevented, like an act of nature such as a hurricane or a tornado.
Dispute Resolution Clause
Dispute resolution clauses provide important details about processes and requirements needed to resolve disputes between parties. They help make it easier to resolve conflicts, paving the way for stronger business relationships.
Change Orders
There are times when the scope of work on a project must be modified. This could be due to requests from a client or other unforeseen circumstances. A change order gives specific instructions and processes to be filed if the scope of work must be modified.
Termination Clause
A termination clause tells parties what actions could result in termination, who is responsible for payment and how much, penalties for early termination, and more. Termination clauses are important to ensure that all parties receive fair treatment at the end of their working relationship.
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Master Services Agreement vs. Statement of Work
Although a master service agreement (MSA) and a statement of work might sound the same, there are several key differences that you should be aware of. Luckily, the list of differences is short and easy to understand.
Master Service Agreement
A master service agreement is a comprehensive contract that includes most of the important basic details that govern contracts and is meant to govern ongoing relationships. It includes high-level details about business relationships and serves as an overview for business partners to base their relationships on.
However, an MSA is not as detailed as a statement of work.
Statement of Work
A statement of work is a meticulously detailed contract between parties that are completing a project together. Unlike an MSA, a statement of work only governs the terms of an agreement on a single project at a time. Statement work contracts are supplemental to master service agreements since they provide all the details that an MSA does not.
Who Writes an MSA Agreement?
If you need help with writing an MSA agreement, business lawyers can help. Don’t risk going into a project unprotected with no foundation for a healthy ongoing business relationship. Post a project on ContractsCounsel today to get connected with business lawyers who specialize in master service agreements. All lawyers in the CC network are vetted and peer reviewed for you to explore before hiring.
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Robert Jay H.
Robert Jay H.
My Legal career has focused on representing businesses (corporations and limited liability companies) as general outside counsel. In this capacity, I have drafted a broad range of legal documents as well as analyzed proposed agreements drafted by the other party's attorney to the agreement for the purpose of determining the risks to which my client would be exposed. I maintained the client's minute book if no one in-house was available for that task. Additionally, if requested, I served as a general advisor to the client's executive offers and to its Board of Directors.
"We - a European medtech startup - highly recommend Robert. Very nice communication style, great knowhow and really going the extra mile to help us with professional legal advice entering the US market."
Daehoon P.
Daehoon P.
Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services
"Very responsive and high quality work. Will work with again."
Samuel R.
My career interests are to practice Transactional Corporate Law, including Business Start Up, as well as Real Estate Law, Estate Planning Law, and Intellectual Property Law. I am currently licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Utah, after having moved to Phoenix from Philadelphia in September 2019. I currently serve as General Counsel for a bioengineering company. I handle everything from their Business Transactional Agreements, Private Placement Memorandums, and Corporate Structures to Intellectual Property Assignments, to Employment Law and Beach of Contract settlements. Responsibilities include writing and executing agreements, drafting court pleadings, court appearances, mergers and acquisitions, transactional documents, managing expert specialized legal counsel, legal research and anticipating unique legal issues that could impact the Company. Conducted an acquisition of an entire line of intellectual property from a competitor. In regards to other clients, I am primarily focused on transactional law for clients in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, real estate investment, property management, and e-commerce. Work is primarily centered around entity formation and corporate structure, corporate governance agreements, PPMs, opportunity zone tax incentives, and all kinds of business to business agreements. I have also recently gained experience with Estate Planning law, drafting numerous Estate Planning documents for people such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Trusts. I was selected to the Super Lawyers Southwest Rising Stars list for 2024 - 2026. Each year no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Arizona and New Mexico are selected to the Rising Stars. I am looking to further gain legal experience in these fields of law as well as expand my legal experience assisting business start ups, and also trademark registration and licensing.
"Reliable and responsive, was able to get back to me earlier then required to submit my documents."
Michael O.
A corporate and commercial litigation attorney with transactional and civil litigation experience including corporate and finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, commercial contracts, bankruptcy, restructuring, international business transactions, general counsel services, real estate litigation, partnership, joint venture and contract disputes. Additional background skills and experience include investment banking, financial analysis, and management consulting. Sectors covered include technology, media, healthcare, franchises, small to medium enterprises, investment funds, and international business.
"He was amazing! He protected me from fraud and I will most definitely continue my business with him… Thank you Michael!"
Christopher M.
I am a corporate attorney with several years of experience with contracts, corporate and business, government projects, and employment law.
"Chris helped us put together a quick SaaS contract. HE is very nice and professional."
September 10, 2024
Antonio P.
At Pishvai Law, Tony's attention to detail and deep community roots define his practice. A lifelong Fort Wayne native, Tony returned home after attending law school in Atlanta, Georgia, emphasizing his commitment to serving his community firsthand. As a solo practitioner, Tony offers a level of personalized service and dedication unmatched by larger firms. With a focus on tailored solutions and individualized attention, Tony ensures that each client receives the care they deserve. Whether you're facing a complex legal matter or seeking guidance, Tony is dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need to navigate your case with confidence.
September 19, 2024
Andrew G.
Mr. Goodwin is an experienced transactional attorney, with experience working both for a large law firm and as in-house counsel for a leading global healthcare system.
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Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for MSA Agreement Projects
Review Master Agreement (7 page) and 4 x SOW (1 page) templates
"Knowledgable. Helpful. And Fast!"
Flat Fee Legal Review: Master Services Agreement for Colorado Tech Agency
"Allen was fantastic to work with. He was extremely responsive, delivered right on time, and stayed strictly on budget. He went above and beyond to ensure our agency's master services agreement and onboarding workflow were completely airtight and tailored to our specific business model. We will definitely be coming back to him for any future legal needs as we scale. Highly recommend!"
Reply From Allen L.
Thank you so much -- it means a lot, especially given how much care went into making the MSA and onboarding workflow fit your specific business model. I'm glad it landed right on time and on budget, and I'm looking forward to helping again as you scale. -Allen
View MoreReview Master Services Agreement (Healthcare SaaS)
"Allen was very thorough. Not only did he review our MSA, but he also answered a lot of questions we had in great detail. We will definitely be hiring him again."
Reply From Allen L.
Thank you -- glad the MSA review and the follow-up questions gave you the clarity you needed. Looking forward to working together again. Allen
View MoreBusiness Lawyer Needed for Drafting MSA & SOW Templates in Texas
"Excellent work. I highly recommend Faryal."
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
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Location: California
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Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Master Services Agreement
Number of Bids: 13
Bid Range: $450 - $2,499
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