The downsides of freelance NDAs and what to do about them


After I give up prison legislation to turn out to be a contract author about 5 years in the past, I used to be stunned at what number of shoppers requested me to signal non-disclosure agreements. I hadn’t handled them so much as a lawyer — it’s fairly uncommon for a prosecutor in northern Canada to come across them — however once I pivoted to freelance writing it appeared I used to be receiving them from each second consumer.
On this story, I’ll write briefly in regards to the chief downsides of NDAs and when it’s price it so that you can make a difficulty of them.
Earlier than I discuss in regards to the professionals and cons of signing an NDA as a freelancer, I’ve to acknowledge a fairly obvious actuality of gig work: it may be precarious. Many people don’t have plenty of bargaining energy in terms of signing a brand new consumer. We’re usually in a “take it or depart it” place.
Now, that’s not a common fact. A few of us, particularly these with extra expertise, credentials, expertise, or negotiating aptitude, have some leeway and may dictate the phrases of a brand new contract to a larger or lesser extent. However should you’re not in that privileged place, you simply may discover that pushing again in opposition to a request to signal a…