Legal foundations for startups, without the law firm overhead
Legal foundations for startups, without the law firm overhead
Most founders don't need a law firm. They need someone who understands how early-stage businesses actually work, gives clear advice, and helps them avoid the mistakes that become expensive problems later
Most founders do not need a law firm. They need clear advice and help avoiding the mistakes that create expensive problems later.
Built for founders who are moving fast
Early-stage businesses face a specific set of legal risks - and most of them are avoidable with the right documents in place from the start. IP created before the company is incorporated, co-founder arrangements that were never documented, contractor agreements that leave ownership unclear. These are the issues that surface later, often at the worst possible time.
We work with founders and early-stage businesses to get the legal foundations right - without over-engineering it. We focus on what matters at your stage, keep things lean and practical, and give you advice you can actually use.
Common Legal Challenges for startups
Getting the foundations right from the start
The legal decisions you make early - how the company is structured, how equity is documented, how your first relationships are formalised — are much harder to fix later. Getting them right from the start is almost always cheaper than cleaning them up.
Co-founder arrangements
What happens if a co-founder leaves? Without a properly documented founders agreement covering vesting, IP and decision-making, the answer can be costly and complicated.
First client contracts
Many founders sign their first client agreements without proper terms in place. Getting your service agreement right early protects your revenue and sets the right expectations from the start.
Terms with customers and suppliers
Many early-stage businesses operate on handshakes or informal arrangements for longer than they should. Having basic terms in place protects your revenue, sets clear expectations, and reduces the risk of disputes derailing the business.
How we help
Services for startups and founders
Practical legal support for early-stage businesses.
Fixed fee pricing, always.
Why plumlaw
Legal support that works like part of your team
01
Stage-appropriate advice
We focus on what actually matters at your stage. Not every startup needs the same legal work - we help you prioritise what is worth doing now and what can wait.
02
Fixed fees pricing
Every piece of work is quoted at a fixed fee before we start. No hourly billing, no unexpected invoices.
03
In-house perspective
We understand how founders make decisions. Our advice is shaped by that - direct, proportionate and commercially sensible.
How we help
Services for startups and founders
Practical legal support for early-stage businesses.
Fixed fee pricing, always.
Why plumlaw
Legal support that works like part of your team
01
Commercial, not academic
We focus on the risks that actually matter and give you advice you can act on.
02
Fixed fees pricing
For clearly scoped work we quote a fixed fee upfront. No surprises when the invoice arrives.
03
In-house Perpsective
We understand how businesses make decisions. Our advice is direct, proportionate and commercially sensible.
Other Sectors
We also work with
Get in touch
Working on a startup?
Tell us where you're at and what you need. We'll come back with practical next steps and clear pricing.
Contact
Working on a startup?
Tell us what you need help with and we’ll come back to you with practical next steps and clear pricing where suitable
Other Sectors
Built for founders who are moving fast
Early-stage businesses face a specific set of legal risks - and most of them are avoidable with the right documents in place from the start. IP created before the company is incorporated, co-founder arrangements that were never documented, contractor agreements that leave ownership unclear. These are the issues that surface later, often at the worst possible time.
Common Challenges
IP created before the company was formed
IP developed by founders before incorporation can be owned by individuals. This creates real problems with investors if it is not fixed early.
Co-founder arrangements
Without a documented founders agreement covering vesting, IP and decision-making,
a co-founder departure can become costly and complicated.
Contractor IP ownership
Code and creative work made by contractors belongs to them by default if the agreement does not say otherwise.