Do I Need A Freelancer Agreement? (2025 Updated)

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As a freelancer, you’re essentially running your own mini business. You are everyone — the service provider, the accountant, the sales rep, the marketer and even your own in-house legal team.

Why Did You Get Into Freelancing?

Was it about flexibility, achieving a better work–life balance, or simply having more time to pursue your favourite creative or other passions? In 2025, with remote work more entrenched than ever, these benefits have only grown, giving you the freedom to shape your career on your own terms.

Whatever the reason, it probably wasn’t because you were excited to tackle business legals head-on (unless you’re a freelance lawyer, of course!).

But that doesn’t mean the legal side of things isn’t important. In fact, it’s often more critical than you might have originally thought — not only for protecting yourself but also for building trust and setting clear expectations with your customers.

The main legal document you need in place with your customers is a Freelancer Agreement. It’s also sometimes known as a Service Agreement, Business T&Cs, or goes by another industry-specific name. Essentially, it’s a contract between you, as the freelancer, and your customers. For a broader view on creating sound legal documents that protect your business, you might also check out our article on what is a contract.

What’s In A Freelancer Agreement?

A Freelancer Agreement is a legal contract that sets out the terms and conditions under which your customers engage your freelance services.

The details of what’s included in a Freelancer Agreement really depend on the type of services you offer.

Typically, these agreements cover both commercial and legal aspects. Commercial matters include details such as payments, deadlines and deliverables, while the legal side addresses issues like intellectual property ownership, confidentiality and limitations of liability.

Typical clauses include:

Scope of services: What services will you provide? Clearly define what is included and what is excluded.
Liability protections: Who is accountable if things go wrong?
Intellectual property ownership: Who owns the intellectual property in the final deliverable, and what rights remain with you before and after the project?
Payment and late payment: How much will you be paid? What methods will be used for payment? And what are the consequences if the client doesn’t pay or pays late?
Confidentiality: Are there aspects of the work that must be kept confidential between you and your client?
Term and termination: What is the duration of the contract, and on what basis can either party terminate it?

Having these details set out in writing and agreed upon from the start can save you significant headaches and potentially costly disputes in the future. In 2025, robust legal documentation not only protects your work but also enhances your reputation as a professional freelancer.

Freelancer Agreement Example

Cindy is a freelance graphic designer with a busy roster of clients. One of her clients, Harry, frequently engages her services but is known to be quite demanding. On one occasion, Harry commissioned Cindy to design a new brochure for his company. The brief specified a single brochure design, and Cindy delivered her work on time along with an invoice for payment. However, Harry later insisted that the brief actually included two designs and initially refused to pay for the work.

Luckily, before each project, Cindy ensures that her clients sign her Freelancer Agreement—which features a front page detailing the timing, price, and deliverables, with standard terms and conditions attached. This clear documentation left no room for misunderstanding.

Cindy then got on the phone with Harry and explained that the contract he signed only included one design in its scope, and the payment was correspondingly for that one design. After re-reading the agreement, Harry accepted the terms, agreed to pay for the delivered work, and consented to enter into a new contract for any additional designs.

Without such formal written confirmation, misunderstandings between freelancers and clients are far too common, and it’s usually the freelancer who ends up at a disadvantage. Having a legal contract agreed upon at the start of every job empowers you to confidently stand up for your rights without compromising your client relationships.

Need Help With A Freelancer Agreement?

Having a properly drafted Freelancer Agreement is crucial — it sets clear expectations with your clients, secures your payments and protects your intellectual property along with other legal interests. However, if you don’t have a legal background, it can be challenging to ensure that every necessary detail is covered.

Many freelancers in 2025 are realising that investing time in solid, up-to-date legal documentation pays dividends in the long run. For instance, our updated guides on what is a contract and on operating as a sole trader can offer you valuable insights. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also reassures clients of your professional credibility.

Having a lawyer assist you in drafting or reviewing your Freelancer Agreement provides much-needed clarity around your engagements. It takes the stress out of deciphering legal nuances, letting you focus on what you do best — delivering exceptional work. At Sprintlaw, our team of experienced lawyers is ready to help you create a legally robust Freelancer Agreement. Get in touch with one of our consultants for a no-obligation chat about how we can support your legal needs.

Keep in mind that as legal requirements evolve in 2025, it’s essential to periodically review and update your contracts. Whether you’re a freelancer operating as a sole trader or expanding your business, regularly revisiting your Freelancer Agreement helps ensure you remain protected while maintaining strong, trustworthy relationships with your clients. For further guidance on safeguarding your online presence, you might also explore our resources on privacy policies and contractor agreements.

Minna Boyle

Minna is the Head of People & Culture at Sprintlaw. After completing a law degree and working in a top-tier firm, Minna moved to NewLaw and now manages the people operations across Sprintlaw.