A student asked me yesterday on how could she protect herself while doing freelance work. Being a project-based hire can have its pitfalls especially when terms have only been casually agreed upon. My advice – make sure every thing’s put down in writing, duly signed and have it certified by a notary.

Most newbie freelancers often forget that even if it’s a simple freelance job, there are formalities and legalities involved. And it’s one way that you can protect yourself if and when things go mucky and your client boasts of flexing some muscle. And it’s always best to get that layer of protection. I’ve heard one too many stories of freelancers not getting paid or be abused by an unreasonable number of revisions imposed by the client. You just have to be clear of the terms, the work scope and payment details. Some other issues may include disclosure and competition issues.

For some great legal form templates for freelancers, visit Designer Toolbox’s collection of downloadable legal forms templates. It includes you standard freelancer’s agreement, model release forms, terms of use statements and a few other legal forms that you may need during the course of your freelance work. Registration required though, but it’s free.