The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs, has seen explosive growth over the past decade. From ride-sharing drivers to freelance graphic designers, millions of workers now participate in this dynamic segment of the labor market. However, the legal landscape governing this area is complex and evolving, presenting unique challenges for workers, businesses, and legal professionals.
At Hinkle Law Firm, our attorneys possess extensive experience in gig economy law, providing tailored legal guidance to navigate these complexities effectively. Our firm is dedicated to offering solutions that meet the unique needs of gig economy businesses.
Understanding the Gig Economy and Legal Challenges
The gig economy is a segment of the labor market that relies on independent contractors and freelancers instead of traditional part-time and full-time employees for temporary and part-time job positions. Gig workers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, these businesses often face more legal scrutiny, including lawsuits and government inquiries, than traditional business models.
How We Can Help
Given the rapidly changing legal landscape, both gig economy businesses must stay informed about their rights and obligations. At Hinkle Law Firm, our attorneys provide the necessary legal guidance to navigate these complexities effectively.
Services Provided:
- Misclassification litigation including regularly reviewing workers’ roles and responsibilities against legal standards to avoid misclassification
- Counseling, including compliance audits and advice regarding exposure, to establish a compliant labor force
- General Counsel services to gig economy companies
- Contract drafting and review
- Protection and allocation of intellectual property rights for works created by independent contractors and freelancers
- Government audits and investigations
- Litigation defense in State and Federal court, including Class Actions
- Risk mitigation and litigation prevention
- Data privacy and cybersecurity risk assessments
- U.S. and international security incident and data breach response procedures
Our Experience
Hinkle Law Firm’s attorneys bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of gig economy law. Our team has successfully represented both businesses and employers in various legal matters, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
Meet Our Team
Philip Davidson: With over 30 years of trial experience, Philip has represented clients in litigation, arbitration and mediation in more than 30 states and he has tried numerous civil jury trials. He is a frequent presenter and industry consultant in transportation industry/motor carrier litigation and risk management and represents gig economy clients defending app-based service providers against claims involving indirect liability issues, negligence claims, and other statutory liability issues.
Jay Skolaut: Jay has extensive experience defending gig economy businesses in matters of misclassification litigation, risk mitigation and litigation prevention, as well as property and casualty matters including insurance coverage issues.
Krystle Dalke: As a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) focusing on United States privacy laws, Krystle helps clients tackle legal compliance issues and navigate the United States’ sectoral approach to privacy while also balancing each client’s business and operational needs.
The gig economy offers tremendous opportunities but also presents unique legal challenges. As this sector continues to grow, the laws and regulations governing gig work will likely evolve. At Hinkle Law Firm, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, providing thoughtful legal guidance to help businesses and workers navigate this complex landscape successfully. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in understanding and addressing the legal intricacies of the gig economy.
