Best soures for setting up an LLC?

Derek Dukes Business Development, Startups at Amazon Web Services

January 28th, 2014

I have typically used a lawyer to set up LLCs / C-Corps et al., but I'm considering using Legalzoom or other alternatives for setting up. Who among you have had good experiences using Legalzoom or have a local SF lawyer you could intro me to.

hunter walk Partner at Homebrew VC (fmr YouTube, Google, Second Life product lead)

January 28th, 2014

https://www.upcounsel.com/ can connect you w high quality independent lawyer. they facilitate a ton of incorporations. real lawyer, not a form/paralegal. several of our portfolio companies use them for legal work (contract reviews, employment law stuff. etc)

Andy Jagoe

January 28th, 2014

Hey Derek, Have you looked at Clerky? I've just done the process with them and am impressed. https://www.clerky.com/

Scott Milburn Entrepreneurial Senior Executive and Attorney

January 28th, 2014

Derek, speaking with my lawyer hat on, you should not have to spend more than $1,000, at the most, in legal fees for a basic incorporation of an LLC or C-Corp. In Seattle, I and other lawyers do them for significantly less than that.

Josh Bohls Founder at Inkscreen

January 29th, 2014

I would recommend going to www.clerky.com - SF based, focused on start-up community, and affordable. Ask for Chris Field if you end up getting consultation.

Anonymous

January 28th, 2014

I really like LegalZoom. The process is quite fast and their support is actually really good. The last time I used them, it took less than 2 weeks to complete everything. In fact, I'm working on a side (for now :)) photo startup with 2 co-founders and we just filed for an LLC on the 24th and LegalZoom estimates we should be all set by the 2nd of February (as can be seen here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/on168ljrcqgo7a0/legalzoom-example-screenshot-001.png). We're also using them for trademark filing. So yeah, I'd recommend them.

- Jonathan

Anonymous

January 28th, 2014

@Duane Nickull:

For the most part, you can avoid this type of problem by completely reading and making sure you understand every question you answer. Also, it takes time, but read all the legalese ... all of it. You can call them if you don't understand something and they'll walk you through it.

- Jonathan

Grant Moller MBA | PMP | Certified AWS Architect | Entrepreneur

January 29th, 2014

I've done it myself in the past, but used Legalzoom for my latest S Corp. The process was easy, the service is excellent and the additional services that come as part of the initial package have been quite valuable. I've used the legal consultation services that come as part of the Business Advantage plan a number of times. I like the value Legalzoom provides and will continue to use them.

Anat Baron Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Filmmaker, Disruptor, Problem Solver, Human Sponge and Creative Thinker

January 28th, 2014

I used eMinutes.com. Great experiences.

Stephen Williams CTO & cofounder at Change My Path

January 28th, 2014

I did it myself several years ago. Filled out the paperwork, drove to SF to file, came away with my corporation number. Eventually, they mailed paperwork back, but it was valid as soon as I left the office. For a 1-person company, I can't imagine what I missed other than the bill. For more complex situations when you might want to setup more structure, that's different. I'd like to hear details of what is needed in various cases beyond the 1-person corporation. Stephen

Duane Nickull Chief Marketing Officer, Co-Founder at Cheddar Labs

January 28th, 2014

Watch out for hidden fees with legal zoom. make them disclose everything up front if you use them.