
At Start Small Think Big, lawyers aren't a luxury reserved for big businesses. We connect our NY and CA small businesses with pro bono lawyers at top firms — at no cost to you. Our volunteers will help you learn how to set up your legal business structure, review contracts, and protect your intellectual property (IP). With their guidance, you'll avoid costly mistakes and protect your business from potential risks.

Work with our experts to find solutions to your small business questions on the following topics:
Starting a business can be challenging, but choosing the right business structure doesn’t have to be. Get expert guidance to help you select the best legal entity type for your small business—whether it’s an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship. Understand the legal and tax implications of each option and receive support to form the business structure that aligns with your business stage and goals.
Work with an expert to evaluate the strength of your business’s intellectual property (IP) and identify the steps needed to protect it. From trade secret protection and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to trademark registration, understand the costs and benefits of different IP strategies. Partner with an intellectual property attorney to put the right tools in place to ensure your business is fully protected.
Understand what your business contracts say and how to structure them to protect and get the best results for you and your business. Learn the key elements of a business contract with expert advice on drafting and reviewing agreements. Get guidance on contract negotiation and enforcement techniques to minimize legal risk and ensure your agreements are effective.
Misclassifying workers can result in costly fines and legal consequences. Get expert guidance on properly classifying employees vs. independent contractors, and ensure you're in full compliance with state and federal labor laws when hiring, onboarding, and managing your workforce. Receive professional support in drafting, reviewing, and updating worker agreements to meet your business's specific needs.
Whether you're seeking investors or exploring small business loans, get clear insights into the legal aspects of securing and managing investments in your business. Receive expert legal advice to understand how different funding options impact business ownership, compliance obligations, and your business’s future growth.
Forming an LLC? Running a corporation? Make sure you're up to date on the legal requirements that apply to your business structure. Work with legal experts to review and draft your operating agreements, bylaws, partnership terms, and other important internal documents that keep your business running smoothly. Stay aware and keep up with basic reporting and filing obligations, like annual reports. Receive expert advice on when and how to update your legal structure.
Signing a commercial lease? Make sure your small business is fully protected. Get help understanding the key provisions in a commercial lease agreement and the most important terms to watch out for. Work with a legal expert to review your lease and develop strategies for negotiating better lease terms. Fully understand your financial responsibilities and tax obligations under the lease to set your business up for long-term success.
Maintaining an online presence is critical for small businesses today. Learn how to build and manage your online presence while staying compliant with internet laws and digital regulations. Get expert help to ensure your website includes legally required terms of use and privacy policies. Avoid copyright infringement when sharing content and make sure you're handling emails, user- and other third-party generated content, and social media the right way.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Cassandre Davilmar
Cassandre Davilmar opened Lakou Cafe to host local art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts for the community. But in March 2020 sales decreased and they had to close the doors due to COVID-19. Later that year, Cassandre received a one-time $5,000 grant to add to their PPP loan. Cassandre worked with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on projections, planning, and bookkeeping. Our legal and marketing programs assisted them with conducting business online, lease review and negotiation, entity selection, trademark, and digital marketing strategy. Ultimately, Cassandre saved their business and reopened Lakou, experiencing a 38% revenue increase.
There's More to Fuel Your Business Growth
Workshops for Protecting Your Business
- Copyrights 101: Legal Basics and Navigating Pitfalls for Small Businesses
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12:00PM ET / Tuesday, June 10, 2025 PT
- Hiring and Employment Basics for NY Small Business Owners
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
12:00PM ET / Tuesday, June 17, 2025 PT
- Secure Your Small Business: A Cybersecurity Essentials Webinar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
12:00PM ET / Tuesday, June 24, 2025 PT
- Navigate Commercial Leases with Confidence
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
12:00PM ET / Wednesday, July 16, 2025 PT
- Avoiding the Fine Lines & Legal Wrinkles: Beauty & Wellness Marketing
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
12:00PM ET / Wednesday, July 23, 2025 PT