Since the enactment of the Freelance Isn’t Free law in 2017, NYC freelancers have much stronger legal protections supporting their work. We now have the right to a contract and to be paid within 30 days. However, few of us have the funds to hire a lawyers when things go wrong.

Freelancers Hub is here to help. We’re partnering with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts to offer free legal clinics to NYC freelancers in media and entertainment in order to help them protect their work and deal with legal challenges.

Submit your application by December 3 to be considered for our first clinic on December 19!

Who should apply?

Clinics are open to freelancers working in media and entertainment who have a pressing legal issue related to their freelance work. The clinics will be designed to assist freelancers dealing with issues including client nonpayment, intellectual property, harassment and discrimination, contract review, and more. Interested freelancers will need to specify one discrete issue that can be reviewed by clinic attorneys during the consultation.

How does it work?

Each clinic will provide an opportunity for up to twenty freelancers to receive advice on one legal issue related to arts, media, and entertainment. Freelancers will be matched with a volunteer attorney who specializes in their issue for a free, confidential, one-on-one 30-minute consultation. Clinic attorneys will review freelancer materials provided in advance and offer legal advice on the specific approved legal matter.

Lawyers will not advise on business, accounting, or other non-legal issues. Freelancers who seek direct representation or services beyond their clinic consultation may have the option to apply separately for legal services with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

How do I apply?

Freelancers Hub will host three legal clinics in December, January, and May. Freelancers interested in the December clinic (hosted on 12/19) must submit their application by December 10. We will review applications and match freelancers with a clinic attorney based on eligibility and clinic capacity.

Applications submitted after December 3 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Freelancers interested in more general legal resources, such as contract tips, may be referred to legal workshops.

Please email info@freelancershub.nyc if you have any questions.