>>So his advice is to get rid of that clause.

Depends why it's there. If they've been burned then protesting may cost you the business. While I'm a great believer in not selling your future creative potential for an hourly rate, it's only worth attention it if there's a realistic chance you might find yourself in that position. Otherwise cheerfully agree to the clause but ask for definitions - e.g. "conflict of interest" refers to creating bespoke systems for real estate companies in St Augustine for 6 months after this contract ends. You might set a price on that- e.g. suggest an $x monthly retainer for a year in which case of course you'll commit to shun competitors of your special customer. It's a good time of year to meet with them for lunch and propose a mutually satisfactory arrangement IMHO. Good luck, and have you been watching the Antipodean cricket? ;-)