Freelancing is a vocation which allows you to choose your hours and work at the pace you choose. However, it’s more important than ever in this line of work to legally protect yourself. Working freelance means you’re responsible for securing your own clients and income. If you already work freelance or are considering going out on your own, here is everything you need to include in a freelance contract.
What is a freelance contract
A freelance contract, being a legal document, outlines the specifics of your agreement with a client. It can often be referred to as a contractor agreement, as freelance workers effectively operate as contractors. It can take many forms, from a two-line email stating that projects you will be completing and compensation to a signed physical sheet including various clauses. While you may think that a client agreeing to compensate you for your work may be enough, your contract should be much more thorough than that.
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What to include
Compensation
You want to indicate the exact compensation for each project, assignment, etc, that you plan to complete along with the deadline associating the payments. An example would be “within two weeks of submitting” or “last day of every month”.
Currency
To ensure that you and your client are on the same page, especially with international clients, it’s best to add a section specifying the expected currency. This ensures that the situation is clarified and alleviates any potential confusion.
Confidentiality and ownership of intellectual property
This is only in relation to IP related contracts. It is important to work with your clients and determine which side possesses ownership of the IP in the relationship. Simple yet direct conversation can save future confusion or arguments should they arise. Subsequently, this highlights the importance of ownership in regards to individuals who contribute to any copyrighted, trademarked or patented material.
Services provided
This is simple. In this section, describe the exact services you will be providing to your client. An example would be social media marketing, editing or looking providing accounting services.
Governing law
This clause includes what happens with regards to any breaches of contract. As this is a complex area, the professional advice of a legal expert may be necessary.
Communication
As communication is the key to any contract, this section will establish how you will communicate with your clients. You must establish whether communication will be through email, phone, arranged meetings or even a combination of the three. Subsequently, this allows for formalised and planned communication which either parties will be bound by. Should you have any further questions, it is recommended to go through the governmental checklist which outlines what to include with regard to communication
What to do in case of a breach
A breach of any of the clauses would mean that you should act right away. A common example is a client refusing to pay, for whatever reason. If the issue is minor, such as a misunderstanding of one of the clauses, then it is likely you should converse directly with the other party and deal with the issue. However, more severe and deliberate breaches will require further action. You can take further action by seeking professional advice from a breach of contract lawyer.
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