Startup Lawyer
Funding with Integrity: Align Your Vision with the Right Partners
"Melissa drafted and negotiated the governing documents for my new business."
"She made sure that I understood my rights as an owner and my obligations to my partner according to our operating agreement for our new LLC. Melissa made sure I was protected, and we ended up with a clear and fair agreement."
Dr. Rebecca Ramirez, MD – Dr. Becky MD, LLC
Secure Capital That Resonates With Your Mission
Raising seed money from Angels isn't just about securing capital; it's about aligning with the right people and opportunities that resonate with your values and mission.
You're not just launching a startup. You're building something meaningful. Something that matters. And that means making legal decisions that protect your business and your purpose from the start.
Purpose-Fueled Funding: Legal Guidance for Conscious Startups
You don't need just any money—you need the right kind of money. And you need legal guidance that keeps you in control while supporting sustainable growth.
Strategize with Intention
When seeking seed funding from angels, I help you work through the legal jargon while staying true to your purpose.
Build Relationships, Not Just Deals
I focus on creating agreements that cultivate trust, transparency, and shared values with your funding partners.
Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
When a business is accepting funding, there are real legal considerations to get right. I keep you in the know, so nothing bites you later.
Draft and Negotiate Mindfully
Every SAFE note and funding agreement is crafted to protect your mission and foster alignment with your investors.
Protection of Intellectual Property
Your IP is your business. I make sure your name, content, and creations are protected before investors ever see a pitch deck.
Venture Financing
Knowing what's worth fighting over and understanding what's standard and typical in venture capital deals gets the train down the tracks much faster.
Process
1. Schedule a consult: We'll walk you through your business goals, vision, and funding needs.
2. Clarify and Align: I'll recommend the best legal path forward, whether it's entity selection, investor agreements, or IP protection, and ensure it's aligned with your values and growth plan.
3. Launch Your Start-Up: You'll receive a clear, flat-fee agreement with everything outlined. Then, we get to work making your startup legally legit and mission-aligned.
Hi! I'm Melissa, Your Trusted Start-Up Attorney
I help mission-driven founders launch and scale their startups without getting steamrolled by legal red tape or misaligned funding. With over 15 years of business law experience and a background in coaching, I bring both strategy and soul to every founder I work with.
You're building something bold. I'll help you protect it—so you can lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
Start-Up Lawyer:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do start-ups need a lawyer?
Yes. Startups need a lawyer to handle entity formation, draft contracts, protect intellectual property, and guide funding deals. Legal guidance early on prevents costly mistakes and protects your long-term vision.
What is a start-up lawyer?
A start-up lawyer is a business attorney who helps new companies with legal formation, contracts, fundraising, and protecting intellectual property. They guide founders through the legal side of launching and growing a business.
Should I get a lawyer when starting a business?
Absolutely. A lawyer can help you choose the right business structure, create clear contracts, and avoid legal pitfalls, saving you time, money, and stress down the road.
Should I hire a lawyer to start an LLC?
Yes—especially if you want to do it right. A lawyer will guide you through the process of filing, drafting an operating agreement, and ensuring your business is legally protected from the start.
You've Got The Vision—Now, Let's Protect It!
Don't sign another term sheet or SAFE note without knowing exactly what you're getting into. Let's build a startup that's legally solid and purpose-aligned from day one.