SEO and duplicate content + Copy writer?

I have a template website. This means till I get around to writing some unique content, it has duplicate content. As more and more accountants are buying template website and not changing the wording, there is more and more duplicate content. This is not a reflection on template website provider, it is a reflection on me for not changing some of wording (apart from tax side).

My understanding is that Google likes fresh unique content. Does having duplicate content affect my website's Google ranking? Does Google penalise websites with duplicate content?

Also I am looking for a reasonably priced copy writer to write my website content. I cannot see me getting round to do this. Any recommendations?

Thanks