How to Find The Right Lawyer to Help Your Growing Tech Startup: A Founder's Guide

Getting the right legal support for your growing tech startup is crucial. It's not just about having a lawyer; it's about having the right one who understands your business and industry and knows how important your time and money are. Getting the balance right isn't easy when just one questionable legal document or decision can derail a complex investment round or acquisition and a big legal bill can set your business back by months. Here's how we advise our clients at Helium Law:

1. Identify Your Needs: Start by assessing the specific legal requirements of your tech startup over the next couple of years. From Shareholder Agreements to Intellectual Property protection or Employment Contracts to Contract Negotiations, determine which areas of law are most critical for your business. Knowing what you need will help you narrow down your search for the right legal expertise.
2. Value Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount for startups and scaleups but low price doesn't have to mean poor quality when it comes to legal services. Choosing a law firm that leverages technology and innovative processes can save thousands by cutting our inefficiency and admin. With good support, paralegals are great for managing everyday legal tasks and cost a fraction of the cost of traditional lawyers. Finding a legal partner with a strong paralegal team and good oversight is a smart way to cut costs and hourly rates without compromising on quality.
3. Look for proactivity: In the dynamic and fast-paced world of tech, you need legal partners who are responsive, proactive and forward-thinking. Look for lawyers who stay abreast of industry trends, embrace technology themselves and understand agile methodologies to adapt quickly to the changing needs of your business.
4. Consider Specialisation: Look for lawyers or law firms with a proven track record in supporting tech startups and scaleups, ideally in your sector. Specialised expertise in areas such as SaaS models, venture financing and industry-specific regulations can provide invaluable insight and guidance tailored to your business's unique challenges and opportunities.
5. Prioritise Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a successful partnership with your legal team. Look for lawyers who take the time to understand your business objectives, communicate clearly and transparently and work collaboratively with you to achieve your goals. Your legal partner should function as an extension of your team, readily accessible and responsive to your needs.

Picking a lawyer can seem daunting but just try out a few to find one that fits your budget and complements your way of working. A lawyer should be an essential member of your team, add exceptional value and be completely aligned with your growth plans. While a recommendation can be helpful, trust your own instinct as a founder to know what you and your team needs and kiss a few frogs.

By following these steps and partnering with the right legal partner, you'll ensure you and your team have the right partner and legal advice you need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.