Startup Legal Toolkit
Foundational legal concepts and practical templates for entrepreneurs building in for the real market.
This toolkit provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Start Here: Core Concepts
Understanding these fundamentals helps you ask better questions and avoid common pitfalls.
Templates Library
Practical starting points for common agreements. Review carefully and adapt to your situation.
Master Services Agreement (Software Development)
A framework agreement for ongoing software development services (web/mobile/backend). It sets the core legal terms once, while each project runs through signed Statements of Work (SOWs): scope, milestones, acceptance, IP, confidentiality, support, and liability.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. Development agreements often require jurisdiction-specific adaptation (IP, consumer law, data protection). For advice on your specific situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Founders Agreement
An internal agreement between co-founders that sets roles, equity, vesting, decision-making, and what happens if someone leaves—before misunderstandings become expensive.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Partnership Agreement (General Business Partnership)
A practical agreement for two or more partners operating a business together—sets contributions, profit sharing, authority, and exit rules.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A confidentiality agreement used before sharing sensitive business, product, or financial information—sets what must stay confidential, how it can be used, and for how long.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Service Provider Agreement (Independent Contractor)
A contract for hiring a freelancer or service provider—defines scope, fees, delivery, ownership, and liability so both sides have clarity.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Employment Agreement (Employee)
A contract for hiring an employee—sets role, salary, benefits, working time, confidentiality, IP ownership, policies, and termination so expectations are clear and compliant.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. Employment terms can be jurisdiction-specific. For advice on your situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
SAFE Agreement (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
A lightweight early-stage fundraising instrument where investors fund now and convert later into equity based on defined triggers—often used pre-seed to move fast with clear economics.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. SAFEs vary widely and may require jurisdiction-specific adaptation. For advice on your situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
IP Assignment Agreement
An agreement to transfer inventions and work product to a company—commonly signed by founders, employees, and contractors to ensure the business truly owns what it builds.
These templates are general information only and not legal advice. IP rules and moral rights vary by jurisdiction. For advice on your situation, contact an attorney at the firm.
Need This Tailored?
Templates work well for straightforward situations. For raising capital, enterprise contracts, IP assignments, or high-stakes negotiations, professional review is recommended.
Request a ConsultationThis toolkit provides general legal information. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact a qualified attorney.