• Master Service Agreements and Statements of Work: Who Owns What, Who Owes What
    Feb 6 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Attorney Darryl Shaper delves into the crucial differences between Master Service Agreements (MSA) and Statements of Work (SOW) in contracts. He emphasizes the significance of clarity in intellectual property ownership, termination provisions, and limitation of liability. By breaking down the core issues settled in an MSA, Darryl offers actionable insights for small business owners navigating client relationships and contract negotiations.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:30 – Differentiating MSA and SOW

    03:15 – Core issues settled in an MSA

    05:45 – Importance of termination provisions

    08:20 – Role of Statements of Work

    10:10 – Avoiding conflicts between MSA and SOW

    12:45 – Risks of using templates from larger companies

    14:30 – The necessity of legal expertise in drafting agreements

    16:00 – Managing project scope and client expectations

    18:40 – Clarifying intellectual property ownership

    20:15 – Structuring payment and approval milestones

    23:10 – Resolving disputes effectively

    25:45 – Accelerating sales with the right MSA and SOW combo

    About the Show:

    *The Small Business Contracts Coach* provides valuable legal insights to empower entrepreneurs in simplifying contracts and safeguarding their businesses. Attorney Darryl Shaper offers fixed fee legal assistance tailored to small business needs, ensuring clear and efficient contract solutions.

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    20 mins
  • LLC 101 in Texas: Formation, Operating Agreements, and Common Mistakes
    Jan 9 2026

    Episode Summary: Attorney Darryl Shaper discusses the essential steps for forming an LLC in Texas, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right state for registration and avoiding common mistakes like co-mingling personal and business assets. He highlights the significance of operating agreements in governing internal business operations and managing potential disputes between partners.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Choosing the State for LLC Formation 03:45 – Simplifying the LLC Formation Process 06:10 – Protecting Personal Assets with an LLC 08:20 – Understanding the Importance of Operating Agreements 10:45 – Managing Disagreements and Deadlocks in an LLC 12:30 – Tax Distributions and Financial Planning in LLCs 14:50 – Resolving Valuation Issues in Partner Buyouts 17:00 – Proactive Measures for Business Success 19:30 – Securing Your Business URL and Online Presence

    About the Show: The Small Business Contracts Coach provides valuable insights and guidance on legal aspects of small business operations, featuring Attorney Darryl Shaper from the Fixed Fee Law Firm, PLLC. The series delves into topics like LLC formation, contract management, and compliance, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the legal landscape of business ownership.

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    20 mins
  • The Key Legal Documents You Really Need: A Fixed-Fee Framework for Small Businesses
    Dec 26 2025

    Episode Summary: Attorney Darryl Shaper discusses the essential legal documents crucial for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal assets, forming limited liability companies, and establishing clear contracts with customers and contractors. From LLC formation to service agreements, Darryl provides valuable insights on legal strategies for small business owners.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – LLC Formation and Asset Protection 03:45 – Independent Contractor Agreements 06:20 – Service Contracts and Liability Protection 09:10 – Website Terms and Conditions 11:45 – Importance of Operating Agreements 14:30 – Non-Disclosure Agreements 16:50 – Payment Terms and Late Fees 19:10 – Scope Clarity in Service Agreements 21:40 – Case Study: Importance of Written Agreements

    About the Show: The Small Business Contracts Coach is a legal podcast hosted by a seasoned attorney specializing in providing practical legal advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The show offers valuable insights on key legal aspects crucial for business success.

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    20 mins