Startup Lawyers for Buffalo, New York
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Meet some of our Buffalo Startup Lawyers
Chaz G.
As a former corporate attorney at one of the world's premier global law firms and former in-house counsel at Texas Instruments, a Fortune 500 technology leader, I bring big-firm expertise and corporate-level sophistication to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners who deserve the same quality legal support as the largest companies in the world. As a lawyer and startup founder with products currently being sold in national retail chains, I've spent my career at the intersection of complex business transactions, corporate law, and policy. I know how deals get done, where contracts go wrong, and how to protect businesses before problems arise. Now, I put that experience to work for founders and business owners who need practical, straightforward legal guidance without the intimidating price tag of a major law firm. Whether you're signing your first vendor contract, structuring a partnership, protecting your intellectual property, or navigating a business dispute, I translate the law into plain language so you can make confident decisions and focus on growing your business. What I bring to the table: - Complex commercial transactions experience at an AmLaw 100 firm - 7+ years as in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 company - Deep understanding of how businesses actually operate day-to-day - Flat-fee, transparent pricing with no billing surprises - Fast turnaround and direct communication If you're building something, I want to help you protect it.
"Chaz was extremely helpful, thorough, and professional. I hired him for a cease and desist letter involving an unauthorized use of my company’s business identity, EIN, and credit. He took the time to review the documents carefully, explain the legal issues in plain English, and help me understand the strengths and challenges of my situation. What stood out most was how organized he was. He prepared a legal analysis memo before our call, walked me through the authority issues, and adjusted his approach after reviewing additional company documents. He was patient, clear, and never made me feel rushed, even though the situation involved several complicated details. The final work product was strong, detailed, and tailored to my specific facts rather than feeling like a generic template. I would definitely recommend Chaz to anyone who needs a knowledgeable attorney who communicates clearly and takes the time to understand the full picture."
Ariel H.
I am a New York-barred attorney and the founder of Ariel Herzog Law PLLC, a corporate practice focused on business law and on the privacy, security, and AI issues that arise in commercial contracting. I began my career in the corporate group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in New York, working in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and general corporate matters. I handle transactions across the full lifecycle — letters of intent, purchase agreements, due diligence, disclosure schedules, ancillary documents, and closing — as well as commercial agreements, entity formation, and corporate governance. My practice also involves data processing agreements, security addenda, vendor terms, and AI and data diligence, including helping companies resolve enterprise contracts stalled in a customer's security review. I am also the founder of Quarterback, an AI platform for managing M&A transactions.
"Ariel was quick, thorough and delivered exactly what I needed."
Daniel K.
Since 2003, I have served as outside General Counsel and Litigation Counsel. Each client receives strategic representation laser focused on advancing the client's position. Clients include venture capital firms, closely held companies, business owners, founders, entrepreneurs, investors, international firms, staffing firms, professional athletes, federal government agencies, financial institutions, real estate companies, professionals, brokers, not for profit foundations, art galleries, art collectors, and creatives. I am an AV Preeminent peer review rated attorney, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. I have also been selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the area of business litigation - featured in The NY Times. I was a Name Partner at an AV rated midtown law firm before launching an independent law practice offering legal services at the highest levels.
"I needed an attorney to look at a federal subcontract before signing, and Daniel turned it around the same day for a good price. 5/5 will use again"
Charles A.
April 27, 2026
Charles A.
Corporate counsel primarily for media, technology, and entertainment sectors. Currently counsel for large corporations, and interested in working with smaller and midsize entities/startups/individuals/creatives. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cappiah)
June 5, 2026
Talin M.
Dual-licensed attorney with expertise in several fields of law. I can help clients from nearly any jurisdiction. Serving both individuals and organizations of all sizes.
omoy h.
I am a New York-admitted securities attorney and regulatory compliance professional with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including broker-dealers, investment advisers, private funds, and fintech businesses. My background includes legal, regulatory, and compliance leadership roles, including service as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of an SEC-registered investment adviser. I advise clients on securities regulation, private offerings, private fund formation, investment management, broker-dealer and investment adviser regulation, AML, privacy, and related commercial and regulatory matters. My experience includes advising on private offerings under Regulation D with Regulation S considerations, as well as fundraising alternatives under Regulation A and Regulation CF, and drafting and reviewing offering documents, fund documentation, compliance programs, and related agreements. I have extensive experience working with SEC, FINRA, and NFA regulatory frameworks and helping clients navigate complex legal, regulatory, and business challenges. My practice includes: • Broker-dealer and RIA registration, compliance, and regulatory matters • Private fund formation (PPMs, LPAs, operating agreements, subscription documents) • Regulation D, Regulation S, Regulation A, and Regulation CF offerings • Regulatory filings (ADV, BD, U4, U5, 13D, 13G, 13F, Form 4, etc.) • Regulatory examinations, inquiries, investigations, and remediation • Compliance manuals, WSPs, Codes of Ethics, AML programs, and risk assessments • Marketing and advertising compliance reviews • Investment management agreements, advisory agreements, subscription agreements, side letters, and related documents • Commercial agreements, NDAs, service agreements, and privacy policies • Fintech, digital asset, MSB, and money transmission considerations and related regulatory matters I am admitted to practice in New York and hold the CAMS (AML), CIPP/US (privacy), and CCEP (compliance and ethics) certifications.
June 17, 2026
Patrick S.
Fractional general counsel and transactional attorney with 25 years of experience serving small and mid-size businesses. Particular depth in AEC, environmental consulting, and professional services industries. Commercial contracts, business formations, corporate governance, M&A support, NDAs, and commercial leases. Admitted in New York and Colorado.
July 16, 2026
Karen B.
Experienced business attorney representing startups, founders, and growing companies in commercial transactions, contract negotiation, and outside general counsel matters.
August 4, 2026
Anthony A.
Anthony Amato is the principal attorney of AMATO LAW, where he advises business owners, families, and executives on complex legal and strategic matters. With decades of experience in law, executive leadership, and regulated industries, Mr. Amato brings a measured, business‑minded approach to legal representation. His practice is focused on transactions, planning, and disputes where judgment, clarity, and experience are critical. Clients work directly with Mr. Amato and benefit from thoughtful legal guidance informed by real‑world commercial and organizational considerations.
August 28, 2026
Andrea C.
I'm a corporate attorney with nearly two decades of transactional experience, focused on high-volume, time-sensitive contract review and negotiation. Through my firm, Cunning Law, LLC, I review and negotiate confidentiality, standstill, and non-circumvent agreements and non-reliance letters for private equity, venture capital, real estate, and asset-management clients as part of the Ontra legal network.
October 14, 2026
Sajal W.
Sajal Waheed is a New York-admitted intellectual property attorney and founder of Solavere West PLLC. Her practice focuses on U.S. trademark prosecution, portfolio management, brand protection, and trademark disputes, with experience advising domestic and international businesses across technology, e-commerce, consumer products, and emerging brands. She counsels clients on trademark clearance and registrability, federal applications, substantive Office Action responses, post-registration matters, assignments, licensing-related issues, and TTAB oppositions and cancellations. Sajal also works with international IP agencies and businesses requiring U.S. counsel, managing matters from initial strategy through USPTO prosecution and enforcement-related proceedings. Her broader experience includes commercial contracts, corporate legal matters, compliance, copyright enforcement, and high-volume legal review. She brings a practical, commercially focused approach to legal matters, with an emphasis on clear advice, efficient execution, and responsive client service.
October 22, 2026
Jason G.
I'm a partner at Gilbert Law Group, a labor and employment firm with offices in Melville and Manhattan. My practice centers on the employer-employee relationship, and I represent private and public sector clients on both sides of it. I also draft, review and negotiate the business contracts that companies and individuals rely on every day. On the employment side, I draft and review employee handbooks and workplace policies, employment and executive compensation agreements, severance and separation agreements, and non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements. I counsel clients on wage and hour compliance, independent contractor classification, leave and reasonable accommodation, discipline and discharge, and harassment and retaliation issues. On the contract side, I handle services, consulting and independent contractor agreements, vendor agreements and MSAs, NDAs, licensing agreements and settlement agreements, and I prepare and respond to demand letters in contract, payment and employment disputes. My litigation experience shapes my drafting. I handle matters before federal and state trial and appellate courts and administrative agencies, and I've argued multiple times before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. I know which provisions hold up when an agreement or policy is challenged. I'm admitted in New York and am a member of the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations, where I'm active in their Labor and Employment Law committees. I earned my J.D. from New York Law School and my B.A. from the University of Florida.
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Browse Lawyers NowStartup Legal Questions and Answers
Startup
New York
Once my options have vested for the startup I am working for, can I sell them?
I am an early employee for a startup that has raised money in the past year. I will have some of my options vested soon and wanted to know if I was able to sell them.
Ramsey T.
It depends upon when you vest and whether or not you have a "market" for the shares. You must satisfy a holding requirement for your vested shares under US securities laws that requires that you hold your shares for at least one (1) year. The vesting period is added in - so, for example, if you vested in your options six months after receiving them and then exercised your options and tried to sell your shares, you would be in violation of US securities laws. After a one year holding period you may sell them. You might, however, have restrictions, such as a "Right of First Refusal" (a "ROFR") or other restrictions on selling your shares. Its worth checking all the documents and restrictions.
Startup
Convertible Note
New York
Do startups use convertible notes?
I am working to figure out what I should use for a group of investors I am speaking to about my startup. We're a technology company that is very early on. We want to raise a bit of money so we can further develop our software and pay the founders.
Ramsey T.
Start-ups do raise capital through the use of Convertible Notes. Convertible Notes are starting to fade as the preferred sort of convertible instrument for start-ups and as SAFES become more prevalent. Convertible Notes are still quite common in more "traditional" start-up industries, such as those that involve real estate, manufacturing and other legacy industries.
Startup
LLC
Texas
What are the benefits of LLC formation?
I am a small business owner looking to expand my operations and protect my personal assets. I am considering forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and would like to understand the benefits of doing so. I understand that an LLC provides limited liability for its owners, but I am also interested in the tax implications and other benefits of LLC formation.
Jimmy V.
The LLC has three advantages over other types of business entities: (1) it creates a liability shield for the owner's personal assets in case the business gets sued; (2) the LLC has "pass-through" taxation - in other words, unlike a corporation, there is no tax due at the entity level. All profits and losses "pass through" to the owner and are accounted for on the owner's individual tax return; (3) the LLC is a simple and flexible business structure that does not require as much paperwork as a corporation.
Startup
C Corp
Ohio
C corp and equity dilution?
I am an entrepreneur who is in the process of forming a C Corp. I am looking to raise capital to fund my business and I am considering issuing equity to potential investors. I am concerned that issuing equity to investors could lead to dilution of my ownership, so I am looking for legal advice on the best way to structure my equity offerings to minimize dilution.
Paul S.
If you want to avoid dilution, then you need to fund the business with your own resources, and pay all your workers with money rather than equity. Otherwise, when building a business, dilution is simply a reality you have to live with. You can start out with a large amount of ownership, for example, 80% of the authorized shares, but over time dilution is inevitable. Which would you rather have, 90% of a company worth $200,000, or 55% of a company worth $1 million?
Startup
Shareholders Agreement
Ohio
How to track shareholders agreements?
I am a business owner and I have recently incorporated my business. As part of the incorporation process, I have created a shareholders agreement with my co-founders. I am looking to ensure that this agreement is properly tracked, documented, and monitored over time. I am seeking guidance on the best methods to track shareholders agreements and any advice on how to ensure the agreement is being followed.
Paul S.
There are cap table management companies such as Carta and Pulley, that can help with this (for a fee). As long as your company has only issued common stock, maintaining a cap table and stock ledger in Excel is more than adequate. I also recommend storing PDFs of the stock purchase agreements in a cloud-based folder labeled "Stock Purchase Agreements." In terms of officer roles, the corporation's Secretary is responsible for maintaining these shareholder records.
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