Find the right business lawyer
Match legal help to your next business decision, clarify who the lawyer represents, and agree on scope and fees.
The small business legal field guide
Independent publication · United StatesIdeas into action / 10 essential readsGood business.
Good business.
Better prepared.
Understand the agreements, responsibilities, and decisions behind your next move.
Find your next step Practical reading for owners, founders, and small teams.
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Read. Consider. Prepare.
A little clarity
goes a long way.
Start with the decision in front of you. Each guide offers practical questions and a short list of what to bring to your adviser.
Rules vary by state, industry, and situation. Use these guides to prepare for tailored advice.
Start & structure
03 guides3 min read
Choose a business structure
Separate ownership, liability, management, and tax questions when comparing a limited liability company with a corporation.
Put the founders’ agreement in writing
Discuss contributions, authority, ownership changes, and departures before a business partnership is tested.
Contracts & operations
03 guidesMake service contracts work harder
Connect scope, acceptance, payment, changes, intellectual property, and exit terms before a project begins.
Read the lease before taking the keys
Review permitted use, total occupancy costs, repairs, guarantees, and exit options before leasing business premises.
Respond to an unpaid invoice
Reconcile the records, identify the disagreement, and compare negotiation with formal recovery options.
People & workplace
02 guidesReview contractor relationships
Review the actual working arrangement as well as confidentiality, project terms, and intellectual property rights.
Prepare for your first employee
Coordinate employment documents, payroll, wage-and-hour records, insurance, and access responsibilities before the first day.
Brand & data
02 guidesCheck a name before building the brand
Understand the different checks behind an entity name, website address, and brand used to identify goods or services.
Know the data your business keeps
Map personal information, reduce unnecessary collection, review service providers, and prepare for security incidents.