Startup legal, protect what you build

An engagement letter prevents surprise bills.

Nobody legitimate charges fees for guaranteed grants.

Verify state bar status and any discipline record.

I-9, W-4, and the state new-hire report.

Identify the specific permissions your activity and location require.

Make ownership and decision-making clear before relying on an informal agreement.

Keep required agent coverage current without confusing it with state taxes.

Keep the entity registration current where periodic reporting is required.

Protect yourself with a simple reusable client contract.

Get the classification right; misclassifying is expensive.

Use referrals, bar directories, and industry groups.

Collect the LLC articles, agreements, and licenses banks ask for.

Cover liability and property risks before serving customers.

Clear health department and food handling requirements.

Clear the road-transport rules movers must meet.

Required in most states from employee number one.

Meet the licensing rules for salon services.

Complete the coursework and exam your market requires.

License the premises with the state board — separate from any stylist's personal license.

Federal and state labor notices where staff can see them.

Personal guarantees and CAM clauses bite later.

Many offer a free consult; ask about businesses like yours.

Equity, employment disputes, and IP fights need counsel.

Schedule C, 1065, or 1120-S decides everything downstream.

Formation, contracts, IP, employment — scope drives who you hire.

Organized facts and documents cut billable hours.

Privacy policy, terms, and a working way for users to reach you.

EIN, state withholding, and unemployment accounts.

Choose a legal structure and register your business name.

Review contracts, policies, and compliance once a year.

Scope, fees, and communication expectations in writing.

Hourly vs flat fee vs retainer; ask what each covers.

Valuation, dilution, control — lawyer before signing.

Standard contracts from templates; lawyer reviews the exceptions.

Confirm your use with city planning BEFORE you sign.