Startup Lawyers for Akron, Ohio
Need a startup lawyer in Akron, Ohio?
ContractsCounsel matches businesses with Akron-based startup lawyers, providing fixed-fee quotes from vetted attorneys with the first proposal typically arriving in just a few hours.
Hire a Lawyer for 60% Less than Traditional Law Firms
Meet some of our Akron Startup Lawyers
Tony C.
I am a skilled attorney with over 36 years of legal experience with an emphasis on commercial and residential real estate, estate planning, probate and criminal appeals.
"Tony was fantastic to work with. Clear in his communication, incredibly helpful, went above and beyond for us and made sure we got the right result. Highly recommend."
Gary S.
Gary is the Founder and Principal Attorney at New Ridge Law, where they understand that navigating the legal landscape can be daunting for small businesses—but it doesn’t have to be. The mission at New Ridge is to simplify the complexities, providing clear, affordable, and practical guidance so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business and serving your clients. From business formation and contracts to compliance and dispute resolution, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have a trusted partner by your side.
"I had a great experience working with Gary. He was very responsive and consistently provided timely, clear answers. Professional, efficient, and easy to work with—I would definitely recommend him."
Dominick B.
Dominick Brook has been a licensed attorney in Ohio for the last 16-years. Prior to founding Brook Law, he served as the Director of Real Estate at Ohio University, negotiating and structuring complex transactions to align the University’s real estate portfolio with its mission. For over a decade before Ohio University, Dominick was a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young and served as a trusted business advisor for clients ranging from Fortune 10 companies to high-tech start-ups. Earlier in his career, he worked as a research analyst with Ohio University’s Voinovich School and served as an adjunct instructor of economics at Ohio University. Dominick is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland (Masters of Economics and Politics), Ohio University (Masters of Political Science), and the Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law (Juris Doctorate). He is a Governor-appointed Ohio Commodore to aid in the attraction of businesses to Ohio, is a member in three angel investment funds, and served on the Athens County Port Authority.
Elisher W.
Attorney licensed in Kentucky and Ohio with four years experience in real estate transactional law (commercial and residential), litigation, construction law, and IP licensing. I have substantial experience in drafting and reviewing contracts as complex as billion dollar mining financing down to simple settlement agreements.
"Elisher is very diligent, and his letter was on point. I really appreciate his help."
April 11, 2024
Kelly C.
Hello! I'm an attorney who practices mainly landlord/tenant law (eviction, both plaintiff and defendant side); and criminal law (misdemeanor). I also work as appearance counsel to fill in at hearing when conflicts arise for other lawyers.
May 7, 2024
Jalyn P.
The J. Parks Firm is a boutique law practice that primarily focuses on Business, Intellectual Property and Family Law Matters. We believe that each client's needs are unique and we work to tailor individualize solutions for you. Feel free to shoot us a message to see if we are a good fit for your legal needs.
Jodi B.
I'm a New York Attorney, who would love to review contracts, negotiate on your behalf, review title, and inspection reports to ensure you buy or sell your home with marketable title.
Judy R.
I am passionate about legal research and writing. I have excellent research and writing skills. My entire legal career has centered around fact-finding, contract and statute interpretation, legal analysis, as well as legal research and writing.
September 19, 2024
Andrew G.
Mr. Goodwin is an experienced transactional attorney, with experience working both for a large law firm and as in-house counsel for a leading global healthcare system.
John B.
J. D. Bridges has worked both in-house and in firms and has seen countless commercial agreements and technology deals from every angle. J. D.’s worked as in-house counsel for high-growth, VC-backed startups, IT solutions providers and cybersecurity companies and also at an AmLaw Top 50 global firm, representing clients in a variety of industries and purchasers and creators of technology across the globe. He’s negotiated commercial contracts with some of the world’s largest financial services and pharmaceutical companies, as well as assisting startups from incorporation to exit. He’s also helped Fortune 100 companies protect themselves and their data when procuring technology from startups and legacy technology providers alike. J. D. brings a practical and growth-focused mindset to legal advice and excels in working with front-line sales organizations and sales leadership as well as internal counsel, business owners and procurement professionals. Whether a pre-seed AI startup, established manufacturer or a global IT procurement effort, J. D. can support you while concurrently growing and protecting your business.
February 12, 2025
Maria H.
Motivated, hardworking, and passionate attorney with strong organizational skills. Skilled in researching, interpreting, and writing legal documents. Detailed-oriented individual with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. I have WealthCounsel available for Ohio.
Amy T.
Northeast Ohio attorney providing comprehensive legal services in business law, real estate law, estate planning, and transactional matters for individuals, entrepreneurs, and growing companies. Practice areas include business formation and structuring, contract drafting and review, partnership and operating agreements, commercial transactions, business purchases and sales, and ongoing legal counsel for small and mid-sized businesses. Also represents clients in residential and commercial real estate matters, including purchases, sales, leases, title and closing issues, and property-related agreements. Estate planning services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate and estate administration designed to protect clients’ assets and long-term goals. Known for practical guidance, responsive communication, and helping clients navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowStartup Legal Questions and Answers
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
Convertible Note
Ohio
Can a convertible note be transferred?
I am a startup founder and I am considering using a convertible note to raise capital. I am aware that convertible notes are agreements between investors and startups, but I'm not sure if they can be transferred to other investors. I need to know if this is possible so that I can make an informed decision about the best way to raise capital for my business.
Paul S.
It depends on the terms of the convertible note. If you don't want it to be transferable, then you should include a provision in the note prohibiting transfers, assignments, etc.
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.
Startup
Convertible Note
Ohio
Convertible note interest rate?
I am a tech startup founder and am considering raising capital through a convertible note. I am interested in finding out what the typical interest rate is for these types of investments. I understand that the rate can vary, but I am looking for a general range of what I can expect.
Paul S.
Generally the rate is pretty low - for example, 5% is what I've used over the years, with little pushback. Keep in mind, investors don't do convertible notes for the interest income, they do them for the upside from converting into preferred stock with liquidation preferences, anti-dilution protection, etc. If a potential investor is really focused on the interest rate, that tells you that the investor has little or no experience investing in startups. Also, regarding the interest in general, it typically just accrues, rather than being paid out each year. When interest accrues for more than a year, the startup can claim the amount of accrued interest as an expense on its P&L and taxes, and the investor should recognize the amount of accrued interest as interest income, even if it hasn't been paid out.
Contracts
Equity Agreement
Pennsylvania
How much equity should investors get?
Hi there, I'm seeking counsel for a startup/small business with two initial investors. These investors have established auto repair businesses and will use those businesses as leverage to support a $500k loan that will be used to initially fund the business. Revenues from those businesses will be used to pay the loan until the business can pay for them. I will be providing all sweat equity. The investors above will have no involvement in the day-to-day (as they run their own businesses). One investor may provide connections to potential clients and if necessary, an additional investor.
Amy Sue L.
This is really a business question, as much as it is a legal question - although lawyers can certainly help you structure and document it once answered. That said, I think you're likely to find a spectrum of answers - on one end of the spectrum, there are 3 investors with equal shares (each having 1/3 of the equity - 2 of which receive their percentage in consideration for $ investments, while you receive yours for your efforts in running the business day-to-day- in this scenario, everyone and everything they bring to the table is equally valued); on the other end of the spectrum, there are 2 investors with equal or otherwise proportionate shares (each having 1/2 of the equity - or some other percentages that total to 100% - in consideration for their respective $ investments, which may differ depending on the value of the businesses underlying the loans), and you are considered an employee of the business (not an investor), who will receive compensation for running the business- presumably a salary and possibly including incentives based on the success of the business; and of course, there are some variations that could impact any or all parties in the middle of the spectrum. I suggest that you have a conversation with your potential partners to learn how each party views the value being brought to the enterprise by the others and begin the negotiation from there. Note also that this deal sounds simple in theory but may become a little complicated due to the funding mechanism being used on the back end.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewHow It Works
Post Your Project
Get Free Bids to Compare
Hire Your Lawyer
Startup lawyers by top cities
- Austin Startup Lawyers
- Boston Startup Lawyers
- Chicago Startup Lawyers
- Dallas Startup Lawyers
- Denver Startup Lawyers
- Houston Startup Lawyers
- Los Angeles Startup Lawyers
- New York Startup Lawyers
- Phoenix Startup Lawyers
- San Diego Startup Lawyers
- Tampa Startup Lawyers
Startup lawyers by nearby cities
- Cincinnati Startup Lawyers
- Cleveland Startup Lawyers
- Columbus Startup Lawyers
- Dayton Startup Lawyers
- Toledo Startup Lawyers
Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.
View Trustpilot Review
I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.
View Trustpilot Review
I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.
View Trustpilot ReviewHow It Works
Post Your Project
Get Free Bids to Compare
Hire Your Lawyer