By Mark Fischer and Ron Lefebvre
At YMFZ Law, we’ve worked with many start-up companies—but often not until after a serious problem has emerged. Entrepreneurs frequently come to us with disputes, lawsuits, or compliance issues that could have been avoided entirely with sound legal advice at the beginning.
In many cases, the business was launched using free templates downloaded from legal form websites. Organizational documents were copied from online samples; website terms were lifted from competitors; and privacy policies were an afterthought. This shortcut approach often unravels quickly. We’ve seen co-founders end up in conflict over vague or contradictory ownership terms. Companies have been sued under contracts that failed to protect them. Others faced enforcement actions for noncompliance with privacy laws that were overlooked when the website went live.
The truth is, these problems are often preventable—and the cost of early legal guidance is far lower than the price of resolving a later legal crisis.
We recommend instead that entrepreneurs obtain our legal services to organize their businesses the right way from the start. That means drafting clear and customized ownership agreements, preparing contracts that match the company’s services and risk profile, and helping founders think through how to handle employees, clients, and internal decision-making in the early stages of their business. For tech companies and online platforms in particular, we also will develop website terms and privacy policies that are legally compliant and tailored to the actual data the company collects and the way in which it uses it.
More than just a formality, good legal documents and strategies help a business run smoothly. They prevent disputes, clarify responsibilities, and project professionalism to clients and investors. A thoughtful operating agreement can head off conflict among founders. A well-written contract can streamline sales and reduce the risk of customer complaints. And up-to-date privacy policies and terms of use protect against costly regulatory issues.
If your business is already off the ground but you’re concerned about potential vulnerabilities, it’s not too late. We routinely work with companies that need help fixing existing problems or vulnerabilities, and we can update or replace outdated documents to provide better protection going forward.
For many of our clients, after assisting with the initial organization of their business, we continue to serve as outside general counsel—an ongoing relationship where we provide advice on contract negotiations, employee matters, leasing issues, trademark filings, dispute resolution, and more. We offer flexible arrangements so our clients can access trusted legal support on demand without the expense of hiring in-house counsel.
If you’re starting a business, considering reorganizing an existing one, or simply want to understand your risks, we’d be happy to speak with you. We encourage you to visit our website at www.ymfzlaw.com to learn more about our services—and to share this article with anyone in your network who may benefit from a fresh legal perspective.
About YMFZ Law
For over 30 years, YMFZ has been a trusted, closely held Pittsburgh law firm providing strategic legal counsel, personalized service, and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of business law needs. Our attorneys represent national, multinational, regional, and local businesses in matters including business formation and financing, commercial and technology contracts, employment law, real estate transactions (including oil and gas), commercial litigation, intellectual property, and estate planning.