4. Legal Forms Don’t Replace Legal Advice Online legal forms are useful tools, but they’re not a substitute for actual legal counsel. They can’t understand the specifics of your client relationship, your scope of work, or the nuances of international contracts or recurring retainers. This becomes especially important when dealing with high-value projects, sensitive information, or new business models. That’s when a generic contract falls short, and tailored legal advice becomes critical. Think of it like this: You wouldn’t rely on a YouTube tutorial to diagnose a medical condition. So why would you trust a freelance career to a one-sizefits-all template? The smartest freelancers protect their work, and their relationships, with customized, professional contracts backed by expert advice. Using a free contract might feel like you’re checking a box, but if it’s not written for your industry, location, or specific needs, it can do more harm than good. A legally sound contract isn’t about fancy language—it’s about clarity, enforceability, and protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build. 24 LAWYER MONTHLY JUNE 2025
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