Nashville Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

Startups face an array of legal issues, from determining a business structure to dealing with contracts to raising funds. Find out why you need an experienced startup lawyer in Nashville to answer your legal questions and why hiring a top attorney can set up your business for success down the road.

Even if your startup has a small budget, you need an experienced lawyer. The best startup attorneys in Nashville know the types of challenges you face as you build your company from the ground up. You can rely on their expertise to deal with legal issues while you put your energy into making groundbreaking products and raising money.

Knowledgeable startup lawyers in Nashville can also create a clear path for your company to grow and move forward. With this type of strategy, you can plan for the future instead of dealing with major problems as they arise. The best startup lawyers also have knowledge in the following areas:

• Choosing a Business Structure: From corporations to limited liability companies (LLCs) to limited liability partnerships (LLPs), each business structure offers different legal and financial benefits. For a startup, choosing the right business type can mean the difference between taking on investment partners or having shareholders.

• Forming a Delaware C Corporation: Many startups choose to form C corporations in Delaware, due to the flexibility they offer. A knowledgeable Nashville attorney can advise whether this is the right choice for you. A lawyer can also help you navigate the tax schedule and file the necessary paperwork.

• Raising Venture Capital: Searching for investors and raising funds are essential for most startups. Depending on the progress of your company, you may need legal advice related to raising seed money, Series A funding, or later funding rounds. An attorney can walk you through paperwork and contracts before you make final decisions.

• Protecting Your Intellectual Property: If you're developing new technology or building a global brand, you need to protect your intellectual property (IP). A top attorney can advise about trademark registration or help with filing patent applications. Startup lawyers can also help with protecting your IP through automated monitoring, cease and desist letters, or litigation as necessary.

How to Find the Best Startup Attorney in Nashville

To start evaluating the best startup attorneys in Nashville, make sure that any you're considering are licensed to work in Tennessee. To practice law in the state, lawyers must have a J.D. degree and pass the Tennessee Bar Exam. They also have to undergo a character and fitness assessment administered through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Before hiring a Nashville startup lawyer, make sure he or she doesn't have any grievances or malpractice complaints. Do this by searching the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. This database is available to the public and can reveal ethical concerns you need to know before making a hiring decision.

Members of the Tennessee Bar can work for larger firms, set up solo practices, or work as in-house counsel. Since Tennessee is home to several Fortune 500 companies and startups with big aspirations, Nashville is home to many startup and business-focused lawyers.

To choose the top startup lawyer for your business, make sure he or she is a good fit for your company. Don't forget to assess the following:

• Industry Knowledge: You wouldn't hire a business advisor who had no experience in your industry, and there's no reason to hire an attorney with little industry knowledge, either. With so many startup attorneys to choose from, one of your top priorities is hiring a knowledgeable lawyer who knows the challenges your industry faces and how to help you address issues efficiently and inexpensively.

• Understanding of Your Timeline: Since Nashville is becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs, both startup executives and experienced lawyers tend to stay busy. Make sure any lawyer you hire understands your company's deadlines and growth timeline and can work on your schedule.

Questions for Startup Lawyers

• How many startups have you worked with in my industry? How well do you understand what we do?

• Do you typically work with early-stage or mature startups?

• What other startups have you worked with in Nashville? Can I call them as references?

• What is your fee structure? Do you offer deferred billing for startups?

• Will you work with my company, or will an associate or paralegal communicate with us?

• Can you refer us to specialists if we need focused advice on fundraising, tax status, or intellectual property?

• Do you consider yourself the best startup lawyer in Nashville? Why?

Whether you need help raising funds or you want advice about choosing a business structure, an experienced lawyer can help. Find the top startup attorney in Nashville, and make sure that your company has the legal help it needs.