e - Robert Carlson | Senior Software Engineer & Systems Consultant

Authorization & Limited Liability Agreement

This agreement allows me to safely access your systems so I can troubleshoot, fix, or build on your behalf.

Important: This is a general template and does not constitute legal advice. For maximum protection, you may wish to have this agreement reviewed by your attorney or legal counsel.

Client & Consultant Information

This Authorization & Limited Liability Agreement (“Agreement”) is between:

Client: The person or entity identified above (“Client”)
Consultant: Robert Carlson (“Consultant”)

Collectively, the “Parties.”

1. Purpose

Client is engaging Consultant to perform technical services which may include troubleshooting, configuration, development, deployment, migration, or maintenance of software, servers, hosting, domains, DNS, SSL, email, or related systems (“Services”). In order to perform the Services, Consultant may require access to certain Client systems and assets.

2. Authorization to Access Systems

Client authorizes Consultant to access any systems reasonably necessary to perform the Services, including:

  • Hosting accounts (e.g., GoDaddy, Hostwinds, other providers)
  • Servers (e.g., Windows Server, VPS, Plesk, IIS, SSH, RDP)
  • Domain registrar and DNS control panels
  • SSL certificate management tools
  • Databases (e.g., SQL Server) and related tools
  • Source code repositories (e.g., GitHub, Bitbucket)
  • Application admin panels and dashboards
  • Email and SMTP providers and configuration settings

Client confirms they are legally authorized to grant access to these systems and to permit Consultant to perform changes necessary to carry out the Services.

3. Confidentiality

Consultant agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Client’s credentials, data, and systems, and to use such access solely for the purpose of providing the Services. Consultant will not share Client’s credentials or confidential information with third parties, and will take reasonable care to protect such information.

4. Backups and Technical Risk

Client understands that changes to production systems carry inherent technical risk. Client is responsible for ensuring that current and adequate backups exist for their systems and data prior to work beginning. Consultant may create additional backups where practical, but the responsibility for maintaining comprehensive backups remains with Client.

Consultant is not responsible for issues arising from:

  • Pre-existing system misconfigurations or instability
  • Outdated, unpatched, or unsupported software or plugins
  • Third-party outages, failures, or policy changes
  • Hidden defects, malware, or security breaches not caused by Consultant
  • Actions taken by Client or third parties outside Consultant’s control
5. Limited Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Consultant’s total liability under this Agreement is limited to the total amount of fees actually paid by Client to Consultant for the Services that directly gave rise to the claim.

Consultant will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of data, loss of profits, business interruption, or reputational harm, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

6. Payment Terms

Client agrees to pay Consultant for Services as mutually agreed in writing (such as a proposal, estimate, email confirmation, or invoice).

For quick-fix or emergency work, payment is generally required upfront as a one-time retainer fee before work begins, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

For project work, Client understands that an initial retainer fee (typically 30–50% of the total estimated project cost) may be required to reserve time in Consultant’s schedule and begin work, with the remaining balance due upon completion of milestones or final delivery.

For ongoing or CTO-for-hire arrangements, fees are generally billed as a recurring monthly retainer and payable in advance of each service period. Any additional hours or out-of-scope work may be billed separately as agreed.

7. Termination

Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice (including email). Client remains responsible for payment of all Services performed up to the date of termination. Upon termination and upon Client’s request, Consultant will make reasonable efforts to remove or delete any stored credentials for Client’s systems.

8. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, USA, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

9. Entire Agreement

This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Parties regarding the subject matter described above and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements, whether written or oral, related to that subject matter.

Electronic Acceptance & Signature

By typing their name below, checking the “I agree” box, and submitting this form, Client agrees that this constitutes an electronic signature and that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

Note: After submission, you may wish to save or print a copy of this page for your records.