Starting a business is exciting but when it comes to legal stuff, it can feel overwhelming. You know you need to set up an entity, get contracts in place, and protect your intellectual property, but how do you know when a simple template is enough and when you need a lawyer to review?
At Counsel Club, we’re all about making legal simple, accessible, and practical for freelancers, creatives, and early-stage entrepreneurs. So here’s our guide to when to DIY with legal tech and when to call in a lawyer.
1. Setting Up an Entity: DIY for Simplicity, Get Help for Complexity
If you’re a solo freelancer or starting a business on your own, you can usually set up your entity without a lawyer. Platforms like LegalZoom or our own Counsel Club concierge services can help you form an LLC quickly and cost-effectively.
But if you’ve got:
- Business partners
- Investors
- Complex ownership structures
You’ll want more than a form. Custom agreements around ownership, equity, decision-making, and profit-sharing are critical. A basic online template won’t cover the nuances, and mistakes here can be expensive down the road.
Counsel Club Tip: If it’s just you, go ahead and use a digital platform. If there’s anyone else involved? Talk to a lawyer.
2. Using Legal Forms: What’s “Good Enough”?
There are a ton of legal templates floating around on LegalZoom, in Google Docs, even on ChatGPT. And honestly? In about 60% of situations, they’ll do the job.
When Forms Are Fine:
- NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements): For low-risk situations, a simple form NDA can be sufficient.
- Basic Consulting Agreements: If you’re hiring a contractor for straightforward work.
- Freelance Contracts: Standard agreements for short-term gigs.
- Image and other IP Releases: Standard IP releases for photo shoots, videos, podcasts, and similar commercial usages of another's personal intellectual property.
But here’s the catch: most generic forms aren’t tailored to your business. At Counsel Club, our forms are designed specifically for freelancers, creative studios, entrepreneurs and small business owners.
These are templates we’ve created and use consistently with our law firm clients at similar stages. Plus, our forms are editable and come with explanations so you can understand what you’re signing. You'll start to learn and feel empowered by forms. For example, we'll teach you:
- The difference between mutual vs. unilateral NDAs
- Why you shouldn’t assign your IP rights in certain agreements
- How to structure contract termination clauses
- How to protect yourself in the contract process while getting your business deal closed
It’s not just about having a contract, it’s about adapting it for the business purposes you have.
3. When You Need a Lawyer (or More Customized Legal Support)
Some situations are too complex for a standard template. Here’s when you should consider getting legal advice:
- Partnership Agreements: If you’re starting a business with someone else, don’t rely on a handshake (or a basic template).
- Investor Agreements: Equity splits, cap tables, SAFE notes this is lawyer territory.
- Disputes: Settling disputes or litigation matters almost universally require a lawyer. You'll want to ensure the release is enforceable and that the dispute cannot be re-litigated.
- Real Estate: Most real estate contracts, like property purchases or rental agreements, should really involve a lawyer. There is disproportionate bargaining power when, say a tenant is negotiating with a landlord. A lawyer can advocate for your interests
That’s why Counsel Club’s concierge services exist we bridge the gap between DIY legal tech and expensive law firm retainers. You get access to solid templates plus expert guidance when you need it.
Our Approach (and Why It Works)
At Counsel Club, we don’t believe in reinventing the wheel. Even in our law firm, we start with robust templates and customize based on each client’s needs.
- For simple stuff: Use our data driven tech to save time and money.
- For complex stuff: Layer in expert advice when it matters. Check out our concierge services for help with more complicated issues or if you want to dot your i's and cross your t's.
