Lightning Lessons

Contract Basics for Freelancers

Hosted by Sam Mazzeo, Olivia Casellini, and Sarah Jutras

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Designing Your Freelance Business
Sarah Jutras
Sarah Jutras

What you'll learn

What all of that dense, robotic legalese actually means

We’ll explain what this language means and why you need to address these clearly in your contracts.

The difference between “assignment” & “license” of IP

We’ll explain the basic differences between these regarding Intellectual Property, when each are most appropriate

Negotiating 101

We have tips for you around navigating cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and when the other side won’t compromise.

Bonus: California’s Freelance Worker Protection Act

As of 2025, certain freelancers in California are required to have a written contract, with very specific requirements.

Why this topic matters

In a best case scenario, a contract keeps everything organized for all parties. Bonus: clients will take a freelancer with a strong contract more seriously, as it can set them apart from less experienced competitors. In a worst case scenario, a strong contract can protect freelancers from (1) forfeiting payments they rely on, (2) losing their intellectual property, and (3) incurring liability.

You'll learn from

Sam Mazzeo

Attorney, Advocate, Halloween Aficionado

Founder & attorney @ A Better Professional Corporation. With his background as a business owner himself, Sam leads with both smarts & heart. He understands where you’re coming from, because he’s been there too.

Olivia Casellini

Attorney, HR professional, educator

Partner & attorney @ A Better Professional Corporation. She also creates the firm’s educational materials & is passionate about increasing public access to reliable legal info. Because gatekeeping is lame. 

Sarah Jutras

Business owner since 2016, design consultant, former product design lead

Founder & design director @ Huzzah Studio and founder of Freelance for Life, courses and community for freelancers. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and helping others design their own way of working.

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