New York City Passes the First Wage Theft Protection Law in the Nation for Freelance Workers

The New York City Council passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act intended to protect the rights of freelance workers who are engaged to work in New York City.  The new law will provide, among other things, that all freelancers have the right to receive a written contract memorializing the scope of services to be provided for jobs paying $800 or more, and that all freelance workers shall be paid on time and in full pursuant to the terms of that written contract.  The law also imposes severe penalties for violators including statutory damages, double damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. The below Client Alert details the provisions of the new law and the importance of drafting appropriate contracts to safeguard against potential liability.