I will provide legal consultancy for your start up
Lawyer
About this Gig
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Handshake deals dont scale; solid foundations do. Stop worrying about legal "what-ifs." I provide a complete "Company-in-a-Box" suite to ensure your equity is protected, your IP is secure, and your tax status is compliant.
What is included in the Founder Package?
- Shareholders & Equity Vesting: Professional agreements with 4-year vesting and 1-year cliffs. We ensure the company is protected if a founder exits early.
- IP Assignment: Legal transfer of all code, designs, and trademarks to the company entity. This is the first thing investors check.
- Tax Residency Advice: Strategic guidance on where you are liable for taxes to avoid double taxation and "Permanent Establishment" risks for remote teams.
- Employment vs. Contractor Strategy: Expert advice on how to classify your team correctly to avoid massive labor law penalties and tax fines.
- Corporate Status Audit: A full review of your structure to ensure you are investor-ready.
Field of law:
Business (corporate)
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Commercial
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Privacy
Legal consulting Gigs are not screened
Please note that there is no screening process for this service. We recommend that you message the freelancer and check all necessary details before placing your order. Pro freelancers in this category have gone through a vetting process. You can find more details here.
FAQ
Does the "Founder Package" include vesting schedules?
Yes. I include standard 4-year vesting with a 1-year cliff. This ensures that founders "earn" their equity over time and protects the company if someone leaves early.
Why do I need IP Assignment if I am the founder?
Even if you built the code, the company doesn't legally own it until it's assigned. Without this, investors won't fund you because the intellectual property still technically belongs to you as an individual.
What is the risk of misclassifying a contractor?
Many startups hire "contractors" who are legally "employees." If caught, you could face years of back-taxes and labor fines. I help you determine the correct status for your team members.
Are these documents investor-ready?
Absolutely. These documents are drafted based on industry standards used by VC-backed startups in major hubs (like Delaware or the UK) to ensure you pass legal due diligence during your first funding round.
Do you provide actual tax filing services?
No. I provide legal and strategic advice on your tax status and residency. For the actual submission of tax returns, you should always consult a local CPA or Chartered Accountant.
What is the difference between a Founders’ Agreement and a Shareholders’ Agreement?
A Founders’ Agreement is the initial "marriage contract" between the creators. A Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) is a more formal document that governs the relationship between all owners, including future investors, covering voting rights, board seats, and share transfers.
What happens to shares if a founder leaves the company?
This is handled by "Good Leaver / Bad Leaver" clauses in the SHA. If someone leaves on good terms, they might keep their vested shares. If they leave on bad terms (e.g., breach of contract), the company usually has the right to buy back their shares at a nominal price.
Can we change the equity split later?
Yes, but it requires a formal board resolution or an amendment to the Shareholders' Agreement. My package sets the foundation so that future changes are documented legally and don't cause disputes.
