Knowledge Bites - Legal Basics for Contractors and Businesses that Hire Them

Businesses around the world are moving to more flexible employment methods. Cloud computing is a driving force behind this change, and it is benefiting a particular type of worker – the contractor. Independent contractors are people who work on a contract basis, not as regular employees. Each contract might span months, a few weeks or even a one-off piece of work.
 
While there are advantages to this kind of arrangement, there is a lot to think about before hiring, or becoming an independent contractor.  Employers and independent contractors should be aware of contract basics and various means of resolving disputes. Key topics:
 

• Contracts basics
• Employee vs. independent contractor
• Covenants not to compete
• Dispute resolution – mediation / ADR (alternative dispute resolution)
• Small Claims Court basics
• Other litigation issues