Legal Definition of Independent contractor: Someone who is engaged to do a job or perform an act but who maintains control over how the job or act is to be carried out. In medical jurisprudence, a surgeon who agrees to perform a certain operation is an independent contractor | Learn about the legal definition of an independent contractor and why it matters. Discover examples of independent contractors and the advantages they offer for businesses and individuals. Avoid potential legal issues and enjoy the benefits of working autonomously with this important understanding