Key takeaways:
  • What are essential legal resources for startups? Articles, blogs, websites, templates, and tools are vital for navigating legalities in startups.
  • How can entrepreneurs choose the right business structure? Understanding various business structures is crucial for liability and tax implications.
  • What common legal mistakes should startups avoid? Issues like not addressing equity or patent laws can lead to significant pitfalls.
  • Where can I find legal templates for startups? Docracy and Orrick offer customizable legal templates for various business needs.
  • How do I find legal assistance tailored to my startup? Platforms like LawKick and LawTrades connect entrepreneurs with affordable lawyers based on needs.

Intellectual property rights, patent law, incorporation, equity distribution.... Navigating the legalities of starting a business can seem like an impossible feat, especially when one misstep could spell major trouble down the line. With an abundance of questions and limited resources, startups can’t afford to keep top legal minds on retainer for whenever an issue pops up.

Time and money are vital to a fledgling company's success, so save both with this list of legal resources especially for entrepreneurs. Note: This list is a collection, not a ranking. 

Articles & Advice

Try Wrike for free

Blogs

  • A View from the Valley by veteran startup lawyer Matt Bartus
  • Counselor @ Law by speaker, writer, and public policy activist William Carleton
  • Gust.com by a group of experienced startup founders and investors
  • The High-touch Legal Services Blog for Startups by startup lawyer Dana Shultz
  • Likelihood of Confusion on internet trademark and copyright infringement by lawyer Ron Coleman
  • Mashtag Blawg by Bottom Line Law Group, a firm specializing in lean startups and business growth
  • Startup Law 101 series of tutorials for founders and entrepreneurs
  • Startup Law Blog by prominent startup and corporate transactions attorney Joe Wallin
  • Technology & Marketing Law Blog, award-winning blog on internet law, intellectual property, and advertising law by law professor Eric Goldman
  • Walker Corporate Law Blog by a boutique firm that specializes in representing entrepreneurs

Websites

  • Entrepreneur's Legal Basics for Startups, a collection of expert articles and videos from Entrepreneur magazine
  • Startup Company Lawyer answers hundreds of specific questions, from incorporation to stock options
  • Startup Lawyer has articles on topics like incorporation and equity, plus a helpful glossary of terms
  • Quora Term Sheet is a collection of legal resources for entrepreneurs and investors hosted on Quora
  • Upcounsel is a service that matches entrepreneurs to legal professionals based on their specific needs
  • Small Business and the SEC is the official SEC guide to complying with federal securities laws while raising capital
  • Rocket Lawyer has a collection of sample documents and a group of on-call attorneys to answer your legal questions
  • Start-Up Launchpad holds educational materials, checklists, and sample legal documents

Templates

Tools

Finding a Lawyer

  • LawKick Find a lawyer based on price, reviews, and qualifications
  • LawTrades Get matched with a lawyer at your budget, plus free consultation, price quote, client reviews, and law office profiles
  • LawGives Choose from a selection of flat-fee legal services packages
  • FINRA BrokerCheck Research brokers, firms, investment adviser representatives and investment adviser firms
  • ShouldISign.com Post a request and receive fixed-fee proposals from vetted attorneys, and check out their bank of free legal forms

Checklists

What would you add to this list?

Once you've set up your legal framework, find the tools you need to launch your business: 25 Tools to Run Your Startup.

Mobile image promo promo
Desktop image promo promo