Legal Definitions - tools of the trade

The term tools of the trade refers to the essential equipment, instruments, or devices that an individual requires to perform their professional work or carry out their occupation. These are items routinely and directly used in the normal course of a person's job, enabling them to earn a living.

A significant legal aspect of "tools of the trade" is that they are often considered exempt property. This means that, up to a certain value, these items are protected from being seized by creditors or a bankruptcy trustee. This protection helps ensure that individuals can continue to work and support themselves, even when facing financial difficulties.

Here are some examples illustrating what constitutes "tools of the trade":

• Freelance Photographer: For a self-employed photographer, their professional-grade camera body, various specialized lenses, portable lighting equipment, and a computer loaded with photo editing software would be considered tools of the trade. These items are indispensable for capturing images, processing them, and delivering final products to clients. Without them, the photographer cannot perform their core job functions or generate income, making them essential for their livelihood.

• Professional Chef: A professional chef's personal set of high-quality knives, a specialized mandoline slicer, and a commercial-grade stand mixer are prime examples. These specific tools are fundamental to their daily work of preparing food, allowing for precision, efficiency, and the creation of dishes that meet professional culinary standards. Losing these items would severely impair their ability to work effectively in a kitchen environment.

• Self-Employed Gardener/Landscaper: For a person running a landscaping business, a commercial-grade lawnmower, a powerful leaf blower, professional pruning shears, and a rototiller are considered tools of the trade. These pieces of equipment are directly used to maintain properties, trim hedges, prepare soil, and perform other essential tasks of their business. They are crucial for completing jobs efficiently and effectively, distinguishing them from general household tools.