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Where to get advice on a freelance contract?

2 replies

thunderandlightening · 13/10/2013 19:14

I'm thinking of leaving a good permanent job to take on a (very much more lucrative) two year freelance project. This is a huge step for me and I want to be sure I've thought of everything. I need expert advice on the terms of the freelance contract. Over a long career, I've always been an employee rather than a freelance and am not sure how to identify a suitable lawyer. Is it just a case of googling "employment lawyer"?

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Talkinpeace · 13/10/2013 22:29

if its a two year single project, you are very likely to be caught in HMRCs net of being a shadow employee

not sure why you need a lawyer ... just an accountant ....
possibly give the PCG (professional Consulting Group) a call

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flowery · 14/10/2013 06:08

An accountant will be able to advise you on the tax implications of the agreement, but not on the terms and wording of the agreement. For that you do need a lawyer if there is anything you are not sure about in terms of what exactly it means or are not happy about and may want to push back on. Freelance contracts can be very long and wordy and sometimes written in very legal language.

I agree that a two year contract runs the risk of actually being employment rather than genuine freelancing. This has HMRC implications, yes, but it also had implications in terms of your employment rights, which a lawyer will be able to advise you.

Recommendation is the best way to go if possible, if you can ask around any local contacts you have, see if anyone has used one or knows one or knows someone who has used one.

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