Startup Lawyers for Des Moines, Iowa

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Meet some of our Des Moines Startup Lawyers

Melissa L. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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4.9 (6)
Member Since:
October 26, 2020

Melissa L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Des Moines, IA
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IA
City University School of Law

Seasoned negotiator, mediator, and attorney providing premier legal advice, services, and representation with backgrounds in the following but not limited to law areas: business/commercial (restaurant & manufacturing), contracts, education, employment, family and matrimonial, healthcare, real estate, and probate & wills/trusts

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"This attorney has been extremely professional, accurate, available, and extremely fast. In a word, very efficient. Within 3 days she gave me the final product, a high quality one. I should also add that her courtesy throughout the process was the cherry on top of the cake. I could not recommend her enough!"

Brad B. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
July 28, 2023
Christopher R. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
March 9, 2025

Christopher R.

Owner-Manager
Free Consultation
Urbandale, Iowa
33 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IA IL, MO
Saint Louis University

Over the course of the past 30 years, in both General Counsel roles (3 times) and in private practice, I have built a successful national real estate transaction, construction, and environmental law practice

Alexander C. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
August 23, 2025

Alexander C.

CEO
Free Consultation
Tampa, Florida
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IA DC, NE, NY, UT
The George Washington University Law School

I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.

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Meet some of our other Startup Lawyers

Michael C. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023

Michael C.

self employed
Free Consultation
Sacramento area
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Lincoln School of Law

40+ years handling litigation matters for employers and employees, defense and prosecution of personal injury matters, CalOsha defense, prepare employment contracts, non-compete clauses, established drug policies and franchise agreements. represented banks in commercial litigation , asset retrieval matters. conducted audits of insurance company claims on behalf of employers, defended contractors in toxic tort cases, handled appeals to the insurance commissioner on workers compensation rate classification matters

Christian D. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023

Christian D.

General Practice Attorney
Free Consultation
Austin, Texas
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
St. Mary's University - School of Law

Christian Davila received his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University and becoming a member of the State Bar of Texas in 2013. Before law school, he studied at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), and participated in multiple programs across various fields of study, including the University of Texas Medical Branch-School of Medicine’s “Early Medical School Acceptance Program,” and the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities’ “National Internship Program” at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Christian’s legal experience includes criminal law (both prosecution and defense), family law, transactional law, business litigation, real estate litigation, and general civil litigation. Christian was previously in-house counsel for a multi-million dollar apartment construction and management company, handling all property acquisition, document drafting, negotiations, and litigation. Christian is a former member of the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), and he has been distinguished by the National Trial Lawyers as one of their TOP 40 Civil Plaintiff attorneys in Texas UNDER 40 years old. He likes weightlifting, reading comicbooks, and being silly with his kids in his spare time.

Kahlee S. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023

Kahlee S.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Mount Dora, Florida
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law

I opened Hestia Legal when I was 6 months pregnant with the focus on educating and assisting families in my community. While the majority of my practice revolves around Estate Planning, I have a history of experience with contract and general business agreement drafting, discovery drafting, and general litigation document drafting.

Nadir C. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023
Torrey L. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 11, 2023

Torrey L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, CO
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO
Emory University

Torrey Livenick, Esq. is a fourth generation Colorado lawyer. Although she was born in California and raised in Nevada, she spent every summer in Colorado and knew she planned to make Denver her home. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in Classical Culture and Society, she returned to Las Vegas to work as a paralegal. Once she spent five years building her skills and confirming her interest, she attended Emory University School of Law. Torrey’s interests include trivia (she even was a contestant on Jeopardy! during her law school days), video games, playing with her cats, and the arts. She is active in pro bono organizations including Metro Volunteer Lawyers.

Peter H. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023

Peter H.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Loyola Law School

Haber Law Firm, APC, is a transactional business law firm with a focus on small/mid-market business purchases and sales, outside general counsel, and start-up assistance for businesses in their early stages. Peter Haber started Haber Law Firm, APC after several years as a legal executive at Popcornopolis, a gourmet popcorn brand sold at groceries and stadiums nationwide. In this role, Peter served as the company’s sole in-house legal advisor as it related to all functions of the company’s operations, including dispute resolution, compliance, and employment law, to name a few. With his help and guidance, the company relocated its entire corporate and manufacturing operation, developed a new factory and warehouse, and was successfully acquired by private equity. Prior to this, Peter was a litigator and business attorney with distinguished Los Angeles litigation boutiques. Such matters included the representation of numerous businesses in litigation and in the resolution of pre-litigation disputes as well as the representation of professionals in liability defense matters, including hospitals, physicians, and brokers.

Kyle T. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 7, 2023

Kyle T.

Associate Attorney
Free Consultation
Houston, Texas
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IN
South Texas College of Law

Obtained J.D. in December 2021, admitted to the Indiana Bar in November 2022. Began working as a clerk for civil defense firm in March 2022 and have been the same firm to the present, currently working as an Associate Attorney.

Sashi S. - Startup Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa
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Member Since:
September 7, 2023

Sashi S.

Corporate Counsel
Free Consultation
Pittsburgh, PA
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in PA
University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Credible history in navigating complex legal landscapes to deliver strategic solutions that optimize employee benefits programs and healthcare compliance. Demonstrated mastery in interpreting and applying ERISA, HIPAA, and ACA regulations, safeguarding client interests, and minimizing legal risks. Remarkable background in advising diverse clientele, ranging from corporations to healthcare providers, on intricate regulatory frameworks, compliance strategies, and litigation support. Adept at crafting innovative strategies, providing expert guidance, and driving compliance with unwavering precision. Skilled in leveraging unique skill set that combines medical knowledge and technological proficiency to address multifaceted challenges at intersection of healthcare and technology. Exceptional project management skills with track record of contributing to high-impact initiatives. Accomplished in drafting and negotiating contracts, mitigating legal risks, and streamlining processes.

Startup Legal Questions and Answers

Startup

LLC

Texas

Asked on May 24, 2023

LLC tax advantages?

I recently started a small business and am considering forming a limited liability company (LLC). I understand that LLCs provide certain protections for business owners, but I am not clear on the tax advantages of an LLC. I would like to know what kind of tax benefits I could expect if I form an LLC.

Jimmy V.

Answered May 30, 2023

LLCs are "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. In other words, there is no income tax due on the company level. The distributions "pass through" to you and you report them on your personal tax return. This prevents double taxation.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Convertible Note

California

Asked on Jul 30, 2023

Convertible note vs. equity financing?

I am an entrepreneur and I am in the process of raising capital for my startup. I am considering both convertible note and equity financing options and am trying to decide which one is best suited for my company. I need to understand the key differences between the two options to make an informed decision.

Thaddeus W.

Answered Sep 8, 2023

Good question. Convertible notes (as well as SAFE's, discussed below) differ from equity in several respects. The most fundamental difference is that a convertible note is debt. A second major difference is that, although the note is debt, its terms include the noteholder's right to acquire an equity position in the future; if a certain event later occurs (defined in the note, but typically the sale of preferred stock to a future investor (e.g. a venture capital firm), but also a sale of the company can have a similar effect), this will trigger the note to convert into equity and the note is "satisfied" ... that is, the debt is extinguished when the note converts and the holder thereby becomes an equity holder (typically coming to own shares of preferred stock very similar to that issued to the future investors in that triggering event). These two differences are related to a third. A convertible note is often issued without a valuation of the company. For example, when a startup business has no operating history, it is impossible for the startup founders or the investor to decide what the company is worth. Equity cannot be issued for a fair market value (FMV), since there is no basis to determine what the FMV is. A convertible note resolves that by giving the investor (the note holder) the right to convert the note into equity later on, when another investor and the company can agree on a company valuation. In other words, the convertible note allows the company to "kick the can (of valuation) down the road" to be dealt with at another time. But, since a convertible note is debt, is has a repayment provision, and normally carries interest. This means that the note is carried on the company's balance sheet as debt, and presents the company with the future obligation to repay the note if a conversion event has not happened before the note's maturity date. So, SAFE's are often used, especially now that they have become so familiar to investors. (SAFE stands for Simple Agreement for Future Equity). Essentially, as SAFE is a convertible note without the debt features. A SAFE carries no interest and does not have to be repaid. The investor in a SAFE will normally be sophisticated and able to assess the chances the company will do well enough for a conversion event (the issuance of preferred stock, or a sale of the company) to result in the investor's SAFE converting, and thus give the investor comfort that would otherwise be lacking in an instrument that has no repayment obligation. Like a convertible note, a SAFE kicks the can of valuation down the road, where a valuation can later be determined by the company and a future investor. Founders should exercise caution in issuing convertible notes or SAFE's. Among other reasons, founders commonly do not appreciate the impact that convertible notes or SAFE's can have on the founders' own ownership. Convertible notes and SAFE's often include a feature called a "valuation cap." This can result in surprising dilution, as well as the issuance of equity to the converting note or SAFE holder at what is effectively a very low price per share, costing the company far more than the founders may have expected. Also, notes and SAFE's with very similar, but different, terms can result in a complicated capitalization table, making negotiations with venture capital firms later on more difficult, an equity transaction more complex, and thus the process more time-consuming and (therefore) more expensive.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Single Member LLC Operating Agreement

Alabama

Asked on Sep 27, 2021

Start a trucking business as an owner operator

Experienced driver wants to own the truck and make a business out of it

John H.

Answered Oct 4, 2021

You will need to begin by picking a name for your trucking business and then proceed to reserving the name with the Secretary of State and then you will need to choose what business entity your business will operate under. I have experience drafting the paperwork you will need to get set up.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Software Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jun 9, 2023

Software agreement and maintenance?

I am an entrepreneur who is planning to launch a new software product. I am in the process of negotiating a software agreement with a potential partner, and I need to make sure that I understand my obligations regarding maintenance of the software. I have limited experience in this area and need to ensure that I have a comprehensive agreement that covers all of the necessary points.

Daniel D.

Answered Jul 18, 2023

Your maintenance obligations will largely depend on what is written into the software agreement between you and your partner. If you and your partner agree you can have a very broad or very limited obligation, but it should be clear so you avoid any disputes in the future. A comprehensive agreement can include any provisions you and your partner agree on as long as it does not violate State Law or Public Policy.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

LLC

Texas

Asked on Oct 26, 2023

How is ownership defined in LLC formation?

I am starting a new business and am looking to form a limited liability company (LLC). I understand that an LLC is a business structure that can help protect my personal assets from any debts or liabilities of the business. I am looking to understand how the ownership of the LLC is defined and how it affects the legal and financial structure of the LLC. I am hoping to find out what type of paperwork and/or agreements need to be drawn up in order to set up the LLC properly.

Jimmy V.

Answered Nov 3, 2023

Owners of LLCs are called "Members." Members make an initial contribution of cash or other property to the LLC in exchange for their Membership Interests in the LLC. The Members can run the LLC themselves if they like. This is common in LLCs with one or only a few Members. If there are many Members, they may decide to appoint a Manager to run the LLC. Managers can be owners, and vice versa.

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