Startup Lawyers for Rochester, Minnesota

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Meet some of our Rochester Startup Lawyers

Emmanuel A. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
View Emmanuel
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
June 7, 2024

Emmanuel A.

Law Clerk
Free Consultation
Raleigh, North Carolina
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
Elon University School of Law

Results-driven young lawyer with over 2 years of combined legal experience. Adept at legal research, contract drafting, reviewing policies, client relations, and case management. Possess a J.D. from Elon Law School and am a member of the Minnesota State Bar in good standing.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Emmanuel is fantastic and very easy to work with! We are so pleased with his quality of work, responsiveness, and attention to detail, and look forward to working with him again on future projects."

Harry N. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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5.0 (7)
Member Since:
November 21, 2025

Harry N.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Anoka, MN
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN IL
University of Minnesota

Experienced business advisor and in-house counsel with extensive litigation experience, representing parties in a variety of complex commercial disputes, including securities, financial fraud, contract, and antitrust litigation.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Harry was timely, responsive, and on budget. I highly recommend."

Eric H. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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5.0 (5)
Member Since:
April 9, 2026

Eric H.

Partner
Free Consultation
Saint Paul, MN
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
University of Wisconsin

I help startups, growth-stage companies, and middle market businesses navigate their most important legal moments, from early fundraising rounds to complex M&A transactions. I work with founders, investors, executives and their ecosystem partners who want exceptional client service without the overhead of a large firm. Whether you are raising capital, planning an acquisition, negotiating complex commercial agreements, or need an experienced general counsel in your corner on a fractional basis, I bring big law and Fortune 500 expertise, at a fraction of their rates. I'm based in Minneapolis and work with clients across Minnesota and nationally.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"After we got aligned on the objective, Eric was responsive and paid attention to detail."

Hao L. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
View Hao
Member Since:
October 19, 2023

Hao L.

Partner
Free Consultation
Miami, Florida
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN FL
Golden Gate University School of Law

Florida Licensed Attorney & CFA® Charterholder Specializing in Immigration, Taxation, Aviation, Bankruptcy, Estate & Succession, and Business & Civil Litigation

Misi A. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
December 20, 2023

Misi A.

Senior Counsel
Free Consultation
Inver Grove Heights
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
Mitchell Hamline College of Law

As a Senior Legal Professional, I have 16+ years experience with extensive background in commercial transactions and as a corporate generalist. I am well versed in contracts lifecycle, risk assessment, compliance, and healthcare regulations. My competencies extend to contract management and detailed project management skills. I have leveraged my legal contracts expertise to mitigate organizational risk, reduce costs, and drive multi-million-dollar revenue increases.

Nichole M. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
March 19, 2024

Nichole M.

Solo Practitioner
Free Consultation
Midlothian, Texas
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN TX
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER STURM COLLEGE OF LAW

Ms. Melton-Mitchell is a seasoned executive that has obtained a law degree and is practicing law as a second career. She has spent over 25 years in the health care industry and is well versed in health law, contract law, financial law, trusts and estates, M&A and other types of transactional law. She maintains evening and weekend hours to allow clients flexibility in connecting with her around their schedule.

Song L. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
April 15, 2024

Song L.

Business and Real Estate Lawyer
Free Consultation
Minnesota
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
University of Minnesota Law School

In her professional life, Song Lo brings in a depth experience as general counsel to various companies and organizations in business and the real estate arena. Over the last 26 years, she has advised both companies and individuals in the areas of corporate investments, real estate development and contracts across multiple markets.Song has extensive experience in understanding how the law impacts companies wherever they might be in their age and stage. Important to investor and entrepreneur efforts, she has advised in the acquisition and transfer of shareholder stocks and assisted in the restructuring of private companies. Her specific areas of expertise are in corporate organization, mergers and acquisitions, employment, investments and real estate development. Specifically in real estate, Song participated in all aspects of development including pre-development and successfully gaining entitlements necessary for residential, senior housing and commercial projects. She holds experience both as legal counsel and as co-developer of real estate development projects. She was an owner and developer of senior cooperatives in Minnesota, with the LifeStyle Communities Group, promoting innovation and active living for all seniors. And, she brings all of this experience to the table at Raven Enterprise Group and RJP Development to enhance and support its services to consult and develop meaningful real estate development projects.

Jocelyn W. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
April 21, 2024

Jocelyn W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Venice, CA
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN IL
Vermont Law School

Jocelyn A. Walters-Hird focuses her practice on conservation law and other real estate matters. She has provided counsel on dozens of conservation easement transactions as well as fee sales and acquisitions, including the structuring, negotiating, and closing of such projects. Prior to joining the conservation community, Jocelyn worked as a litigator, which has informed her approach to drafting workable documents and resolving post-transaction issues. With both in-house counsel and private practice experience, Jocelyn has a unique skillset allowing her to problem solve and provide sound legal advice to land trusts, landowners, and other organizations. She is the former Sr. Staff Attorney at the Minnesota Land Trust, where she led the legal team of the state’s largest non-profit land trust. She also worked as Attorney for Conservation Partners, LLP, a nationally-recognized boutique law firm that has assisted land trusts and landowners in protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of land. Jocelyn now serves as Contracted Counsel for the firm.

Angela B. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
June 1, 2024

Angela B.

Corporate Counsel
Free Consultation
St. Paul, Minnesota
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN TX
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Angela is a business and transactional lawyer counseling clients in multiple facets of their business. Her practice includes commercial contracts, SaaS and technology licensing, intellectual property licensing, real estate contracts, and general business counseling.

Kristen O. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
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Member Since:
June 22, 2026

Kristen O.

General Counsel
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
21 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
Mithcell Hamline School of Law

Fractional General Counsel with deep experience in contracts, employment, and operational compliance. I support companies as their day-to-day legal partner—handling agreements, managing risk, and advising leadership on practical business decisions. Whether you need a quick contract review or ongoing legal support, I provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to your business.

Kendra B. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, Minnesota
View Kendra
Member Since:
May 11, 2026

Kendra B.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Stillwater, MN
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
William Mitchell College of Law

My law practice focuses on transactional business law and serving as outside general counsel for small businesses in Minnesota. I provide practical counseling on a range of day-to-day legal matters and prepare contracts tailored to meet your specific business needs.

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Startup Legal Questions and Answers

Startup

Founders' Agreement

Texas

Asked on Sep 12, 2021

Signing Founders Agreement as non-us resident?

I am from Ecuador and I am going to sign a Founder's Agreement with a person from Texas. I want to know in detail what are things I must take into consideration before signing this agreement.

Don G.

Answered Sep 17, 2021

I'm assuming the Founders Agreement is an agreement establishing owners, managers and ownership percentages. You should focus on: Terms regarding when your interest in the company vests; How your shares will be valued in the case you want to leave or are terminated; It should include some type of waiver of individual liability for acts taken on behalf of the company; and Voting rights - If there is only one founder that has a large percentage of ownership (like 75%), you need to make sure the terms give your vote power. This can be accomplished by each founder having 1 equal vote. If the largest owner of the company owns less than 50% interest and there are 3 or more members, there's no real fear of one person making all of the decisions. I'm sure there are other items to consider as every such agreement is unique. Best of luck!

Read 2 attorney answers>

Startup

Founders' Agreement

Alabama

Asked on Aug 5, 2021

How to issue stock to co-founder?

I have some questions about granting stock to co-founder below. Thank you for answering my questions. 1. Company A plans to offer stock options (1000 shares) to employees. These stock options come with a vesting plan. Before the stock options vest, who are holding the stocks (1000 shares)? Or the stocks are to be issued only if the employees decide to exercise? 2. Vesting stock for co-founders: Mr. A founds a company and he invites Mr. B to join as a co-founder. Mr. B tells Mr. A that he wants to put in money as well and therefore wants to have 30% of the company. Mr. A, after reading a lot of information on Contractscounsel.com, thinks that he should give Mr. B vesting stock options rather than outright stocks, as that would help him help him avoid possible problems if Mr. B decides to leave the company after several months. What is the best way for Mr. A to handle this situation while keeping Mr. B interested?

Jane C.

Answered Aug 5, 2021

2. The best way for Mr. A to address his concerns and keep Mr. B interested is by offering him restricted stock that vests over time. Mr. B will receive dividends and have the right to vote; however, the Company can buy the unvested shares back if Mr. B decides to leave the Company before a certain period of time. Disclaimer - This information is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Cofounder Agreement

California

Asked on Jun 14, 2025

Is it necessary to have a co-founder agreement when starting a business?

I am in the process of starting a business with a co-founder, and we have discussed various aspects of our partnership such as equity distribution, roles and responsibilities, and decision-making authority. However, we are unsure if it is necessary to have a formal co-founder agreement in place to protect our interests and ensure a smooth working relationship. We want to understand the importance and potential benefits of having a legally binding agreement in order to make an informed decision.

Paul S.

Answered Jul 18, 2025

It's not necessary but it can be a really good idea. You'll want to address things like the equity split, vesting schedule, each cofounder's contributions (cash, IP, time, etc.), how much time each cofounder will be expected to spend (and if someone is starting out part-time, when they are expected to go full-time), and you may want to address consequences for failing to meet the required contributions and time - for example, company can claw back shares at original price and expel the cofounder.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

LLC

Alabama

Asked on Feb 10, 2023

State of Texas - questions regarding an online business (Nanny Placement Agency) in the Houston area.

Seeking an attorney for advice as to what I need to start up an online business, specifically a Nanny Placement Agency. Do I need a license in the state of Texas and what do I need to protect myself against possible unforeseen lawsuits. I will be living in the Houston area soon but want to start my online business remotely (Michigan) asap. I have an LLC in Michigan already, I assume I may need one in Texas as well, is this correct?

Jimmy V.

Answered Feb 24, 2023

Hello, I can help you with this project. I’m a semi-retired, long-time Texas attorney with substantial experience in business and corporate law. I counsel startups and small businesses, help them set up corporations or LLCs across the country and draft a variety of contracts and corporate documents. You should have an LLC for liability protections, whether it's in Michigan or in Texas. Actually, you would be better off organizing a Texas LLC because your Michigan LLC would have to register in Texas so you would be paying extra fees. There is no licensing requirement for nanny agencies in Texas. If you are interested, I will make you a flat fee bid to set up an LLC for you here in Texas. Thx. JV PS For more information about business entities, download a free copy of my ebook "Should Your Small Business Become a Corporation or an LLC? A Look at Liabilities, State & Federal Taxation & More!" from my website types-of-business-ownership.com

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Terms Sheet

California

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

What are the most important things to look at in a term sheet?

I am expecting to get a few term sheets from investors in the next month. I want to know what I should be looking for.

Ramsey T.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

Every term in a term sheet, by definition is important. A term sheet is a summary of the most important parts of a "deal" - a way of getting to and negotiating the hear of the deal before filling in the gaps with boilerplate. Therefore, you should make sure that you understand all of what has been proposed and negotiated in the term sheet - even the provision that don't seem that important - because they wouldn't be in the term sheet if they weren't a key term to one side or the other.

Read 1 attorney answer>
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