The next step to receiving legal support is to sign up for a legal assessment. To help make the most of that conversation, this page walks you through what to expect and how to get ready. If you have any questions about the legal assessment, please contact legal@startsmallthinkbig.org.
Preparing for your legal assessment
Welcome to Start Small Think Big! Start Small connects entrepreneurs with legal and financial services at no cost.
Updated September 2026
Why legal services matter
Every growing business needs legal infrastructure to protect it. Our pro bono network of attorneys and law firms delivers the same high-quality legal work paying clients get, at no cost to you, so you can build that foundation and keep growing.
What is the legal assessment?
The legal assessment is where we learn about your business and its legal needs. We'll ask you questions and talk through the legal areas that apply to you. Afterward, we'll send you draft requests for assistance summarizing the issues we discussed. Once you review and approve them, we'll pair you with pro bono legal experts for services specific to those issues.
What legal services do Start Small’s pro bono experts offer?
Our pro bono attorney experts most often help with:
- Business entity formation, such as advice on LLCs and other limited liability entities
- Corporate governance, such as drafting operating agreements or partnership agreements
- Contracts, such as drafting or reviewing wholesale contracts or client services agreements
- Commercial leasing, such as reviewing a lease you've received
- Doing business online, such as terms of use and privacy policies
- Intellectual property, including trademark, copyright, trade secrets, and patents
You may not need every service on this list, and availability depends on the capacity and availability of pro bono attorneys.
Keep in mind: Start Small doesn't handle legal disputes or litigation, including lawsuits.
Do I need to bring anything for my appointment?
You don’t need to bring or prepare anything before the legal assessment. Come as you are, and we'll help you figure out where to start.
Questions you may be asked during the legal assessment
If it helps to think ahead, here are some questions our team may ask.
Business entity formation and corporate governance
- Are you a sole proprietor, or do you already have a business entity, like an LLC or corporation?
- Are you considering changing your business structure?
- What name or names do you do business under?
- Do you have an operating agreement or bylaws for your business entity?
- Do you have any partners involved in the business?
Contracts
- Does your business use written contracts?
- Do you have any current or future contracts that need to be drafted or reviewed?
Commercial leasing
- Do you rent a commercial space for your business?
- Do you have questions or issues related to a commercial lease?
Doing business online
- Do you have a website? If customers can purchase products or book services there, or if you collect personal information through it, we'll want to know.
- Do you have a privacy policy and terms of use for your website?
Intellectual property
- Do you have questions about trademarking brand assets, copyrighting creative work, or patenting an invention?
- Has your business name, logo, or slogan been through a trademark search?
We recommend bringing any questions or topics you’d like to discuss, but that is not required.
Thank you for being part of the Start Small Think Big community! If you have any questions about the legal assessment, please contact legal@startsmallthinkbig.org.