Startup Lawyers for Rochester, New York

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Meet some of our Rochester Startup Lawyers

Alton H. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (50)
Member Since:
January 12, 2026

Alton H.

Attorney
Washington, DC
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY DC, NJ, VA
The George Washington University Law School

I am a U.S.-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation and intellectual property matters. I have practiced at leading Am Law firms including Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Arent Fox, and Sughrue Mion, and I currently operate my own law practice. I have extensive experience handling high-stakes patent litigation, drafting pleadings and briefs, managing large-scale discovery, preparing and defending depositions, and appearing before federal courts and administrative bodies such as the PTAB and ITC. I hold a J.D., cum laude, from The George Washington University Law School and advanced technical degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, which allow me to efficiently handle technically complex matters. I am admitted in multiple jurisdictions, including New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, and I regularly provide high-quality remote legal support to clients nationwide.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Alston was wonderful to work with and very knowledgeable in COPPA requirements. Upon reviewing my terms of service and privacy policy he chose to rewrite them to create the most affective final documents rather than offering recommendations or redlining them. He was also able to tailor them to meet state requirements in the state my LLC is founded in."

Chaz G. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (2)
Member Since:
April 15, 2026

Chaz G.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Dallas, TX
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY TX
American University - Washington College of Law

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.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"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. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (3)
Member Since:
September 11, 2026

Ariel H.

Solo Practitioner
Free Consultation
New York, NY
2 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Fordham University School of Law

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.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Ariel was quick, thorough and delivered exactly what I needed."

Heather B. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Heather
4.7 (71)
Member Since:
November 30, 2025

Heather B.

Founder & CEO
New York, New York
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY MN
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Delivering proactive and strategic guidance to health and fitness professionals and entities as they scale.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Heather was incredible! She wrote a powerful demand letter and negotiated effectively on my behalf to secure an excellent settlement. Professional, strategic, and results-driven. I highly recommend her! Very smooth"

Aury L. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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Member Since:
January 12, 2026

Aury L.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
New York, NY
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
University of Tulsa

I am an experienced U.S. attorney focused on contract drafting, review, and transactional legal support for businesses and individuals. My practice emphasizes clear, practical, and risk-focused legal guidance across commercial agreements, corporate matters, and regulatory compliance. I work efficiently in remote, document-based engagements and prioritize responsiveness, precision, and business-oriented solutions. Clients value my ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable advice and well-structured agreements that support their objectives while minimizing risk.

Charles A. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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Member Since:
April 27, 2026

Charles A.

Corporate Counsel (transactional, corporate governance, commercial litigation management, etc.)
Free Consultation
New York
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Seton Hall University School Of Law

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)

Talin M. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Talin
Member Since:
June 5, 2026

Talin M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY CA
New York University School of Law

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. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View omoy
Member Since:
June 9, 2026

omoy h.

Securities Attorney & Regulatory Compliance Expert
Free Consultation
New York, New York
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
New York Law School

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.

Patrick S. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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Member Since:
June 17, 2026

Patrick S.

Fractional General Counsel | Transactional Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, CO
26 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY CO
University of Connecticut School of Law

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.

Karen B. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Karen
Member Since:
July 16, 2026
Anthony A. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Anthony
Member Since:
August 4, 2026

Anthony A.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
34 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Touro Law Center

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.

Andrea C. - Startup Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Andrea
Member Since:
August 28, 2026

Andrea C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Saint Louis
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY DC, MO
Washington University in St. Louis

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.

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Startup Legal Questions and Answers

Startup

Convertible Note

New York

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

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.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

New York

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

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.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

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

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

LLC

Illinois

Asked on Aug 8, 2023

LLC and management structure?

I am in the process of starting a business and am considering forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). I want to understand the management structure of an LLC and how it works in practice. I am interested in how the management structure can help protect me from personal liability, and how it can provide a framework for decision-making and dispute resolution.

Talin H.

Answered Aug 25, 2023

Hi, congrats on starting a business! You're asking all of the right questions. The short answer is that your LLC operating agreement can spell out in as much detail as you want what decisions the Manager of the LLC is free to make on their own, and what decisions require a vote from the other Members. You can also elect to have a multi-manager LLC, in which each Manager is responsible for different aspects of the business, such as day-to-day operations versus overall business strategy versus capital raising. Again, each one of these Manager roles can specifically delineate what decisions and actions the Manager can take automatically, without other Members' prior approval. I specialize in business and corporate transactions and have drafted 100s of LLC operating agreements. I would be delighted to help you. Please reach out at talin@hitiklaw.com or call my office at (312)685-2292.

Read 1 attorney answer>
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