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Gonna post a short thread on the subject of contract clauses for freelancers that I think you should be skeptical of
Focusing specifically on language I have successfully had removed in the past
Focusing specifically on language I have successfully had removed in the past
Some of these may seem kind of paranoid, but the thing to keep in mind is that contracts are legal insurance, and no matter how good the intentions, you need to make sure you're legally safe.
After all, that's what they're doing at your expense in a lot of these.
After all, that's what they're doing at your expense in a lot of these.
So here's the one I see most frequently. If you, like me, frequently freelance for people in a country that is not your own, you should unquestionably get this removed.
This is a classic example of legal overreach in the name of protecting a company's rights. Many companies view this as basic insurance, but the degree to which it can be stretched is ABSURD.
In general, you should be extremely skeptical of any contract that demands free labor.
In general, you should be extremely skeptical of any contract that demands free labor.
Here's a following clause that's even more aggressive. Hope you don't have a dispute that could be construed as infringing the rights of the company or you've already waived your right to a lawyer! Nope, nope, nope.
This is a small one, but pay close attention to employment clauses. What's missing from this one? The answer is: the ability for the contractor to terminate the contract without triggering penalties.
That's actually REAL IMPORTANT in case of disputes or even life circumstances.
That's actually REAL IMPORTANT in case of disputes or even life circumstances.
This last one is a bit tricky and something you won't likely see, but crept into a corporate boilerplate contract that ended up in my inbox.
The right of set-off means that the company can repossess money or objects from you if they feel they're owed it.
EXTREMELY NO.
The right of set-off means that the company can repossess money or objects from you if they feel they're owed it.
EXTREMELY NO.
Always read contracts you're offered. Always look up terms you don't understand. Please.
If you're a freelancer understand you are the lightweight in any legal situation and the bare minimum you can do to protect yourself is to make sure the contract isn't screwing you over.
If you're a freelancer understand you are the lightweight in any legal situation and the bare minimum you can do to protect yourself is to make sure the contract isn't screwing you over.
