At EntrePartner, we work with businesses from big to small, and from formation to sale – and every stage in between. One of the earliest (and most important) decisions entrepreneurs face is whether to take a do-it-yourself approach or to bring in legal help from the start.
Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with critical legal decisions that impact the foundation the business will be built on. That naturally raises some big questions:
- Where can you save money by doing things yourself?
- When does it make sense to hire an attorney?
- Is representation necessary right away, or can you wait until the business is more established?
The DIY Route: Quick and Cheap (At Least in the Short Run)
It’s no surprise that affordability is a major concern in the early stages of launching a business. DIY formation tools and templates look attractive because they’re inexpensive and easy to use. The advantages of the DIY approach are lower up-front costs, easy access to one-size-fits-all templates, and it may suffice for a very simple business that has no risks.
On the other hand, the DIY approach can in the long run end up being more expensive, more stressful, and cause you more headaches. This is because templates may not reflect your actual business needs, errors in filings or documents may not surface until later, correcting mistakes is almost always more costly than getting it right the first time, and there is a much greater risk of compliance issues or disputes down the road.
In short, DIY can save money up front, but “cheap” doesn’t always mean cost-effective.
The Legal Help Route: Secure and Sustainable
Working with an attorney ensures that your entity is structured properly, filings are compliant, and documents are tailored to your business instead of relying on one-size-fits-all templates. An up-front investment in the legal foundation of your business provides you with tailored advice on choosing the right entity to minimize risk and maximize potential tax savings, customized agreements that reduce conflicts between co-owners, and compliance guidance to meet state and regulatory requirements. An attorney can also provide advice about long-term strategies on contracts, trademarks, employment issues, and funding. When done right, an attorney will also provide you with predictable flat fees and a clear scope of services.
Legal help is an investment that gives your business stability, protection, and room to grow.
Why We Recommend Legal Support Early
If you’ve already started down the DIY path, attorneys can review filings and documents to make sure everything is in order. But that process can take extra time and expense, which is why we recommend making legal support part of your business plan from the very beginning.
bottom line
DIY tools may be enough to get you off the ground, but they also leave room for costly gaps. Early legal guidance provides a strong foundation, tailored protection, and confidence that your business is built to last. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes, it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success.
Whether you are thinking of starting a business or wish you had engaged an attorney earlier in your business formation journey, we are here to help.
