Freelance Payment & Retaliation

New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act and hiring-party liability.

Payment Protections

Freelance disputes involve contractual payment obligations, nonpayment, retaliation, and claims for statutory remedies under New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act. Coverage and remedies depend on the work, agreement, relevant law, and facts.

Hiring-Party Liability

A September 2026 New York Supreme Court ruling allowed nonpayment and retaliation claims to proceed against a company and its principal. The court applied an economic-realities approach to individual hiring-party liability.

Preserve the Record

Keep the agreement, invoices, payment records, and relevant communications lawfully. Distinguish unpaid compensation from any separate negotiated exit payment.