General Counsel for Startups

At MPP Legal, our role as general counsel goes far beyond filling out forms or preparing standard contracts. We see ourselves as long-term partners in your growth, working to anticipate challenges before they become setbacks and aligning every legal decision with your broader business strategy. By taking a proactive and structured approach, we provide the kind of legal foresight that startups often overlook but desperately need. Below are the core areas where general counsel for startups makes a measurable and lasting difference.

• Business Formation & Structure- The foundation of every successful startup begins with the right structure. At MPP Legal, we help founders determine whether an LLC, corporation, or partnership best fits their goals, walking through how each choice affects liability, taxation, and fundraising potential. Beyond simply selecting the entity, we draft governance documents such as bylaws, operating agreements, and shareholder arrangements that clearly define ownership rights, voting powers, and equity allocations. These early decisions are critical because they not only prevent misunderstandings among founders but also stand up to the scrutiny of investors and regulators as the company grows. With a solid structure in place, your startup can scale without the friction of legal uncertainty.
  
  
• Corporate Governance & Compliance- Strong governance is the backbone of a trustworthy and resilient company. As your general counsel, we ensure your board and shareholder obligations are met, from scheduling required meetings to documenting decisions in compliance with state and federal laws. We also draft workplace compliance policies tailored to your industry, covering issues such as data privacy, anti-discrimination standards, and safety protocols. To keep you on track, we provide ongoing regulatory monitoring and risk assessments, so you never face unpleasant surprises. By embedding compliance into your daily operations, we help you reduce liabilities and build the kind of transparency that investors and stakeholders expect.
  
  
  
• Contracts & Negotiations- Contracts form the language of business, and for startups, every agreement carries weight. We draft, review, and negotiate the full range of agreements your company needs, from employment and contractor agreements that define working relationships to vendor and supplier contracts that keep your operations running smoothly. For strategic partnerships or joint ventures, we craft agreements that balance collaboration with clear protections. Our role is not just to make documents legally enforceable, but to ensure they are practical, fair, and aligned with your long-term business goals. With MPP Legal by your side, you can approach negotiations with confidence, knowing your interests are protected without slowing down business momentum.
  
  
  
• Financing & Capital Raising- Few stages in a startup’s lifecycle are as pivotal as raising capital. At MPP Legal, we guide you through every financing option, from structuring SAFE and convertible notes to preparing venture capital and angel investor agreements. We take the time to explain the fine print of term sheets, so you understand exactly what you are committing to before signing. Just as importantly, we help design and manage your cap table, balancing founder control with investor appeal and ensuring future rounds of funding remain clear and manageable. With our support, you approach fundraising prepared, credible, and positioned to secure capital without giving away unnecessary equity.
  
  
• Intellectual Property & Innovation Protection- For most startups, intellectual property is the crown jewel, the innovation or brand that sets them apart. We help you safeguard that value by registering trademarks, securing copyrights, and drafting ironclad IP assignment agreements for employees and contractors. By putting confidentiality protections and trade secret policies in place, we ensure your competitive edge remains secure, even as your team and partnerships expand. With the right IP protections, you not only protect your innovations from competitors but also strengthen your company’s valuation in the eyes of investors and potential acquirers.
  
  
• Employment & Human Resources- As your team grows, so do the complexities of employment law. We assist with drafting HR policies and employee handbooks that set clear expectations and reduce the likelihood of disputes. Our attorneys design compensation packages and stock option plans that attract and retain top talent while remaining legally compliant. When workplace conflicts arise, we provide risk-focused strategies that resolve issues before they escalate into litigation. With our counsel, you can focus on building a motivated, high-performing team while knowing that every employment decision is backed by sound legal protections.
  
  
  
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation Support- No matter how careful a startup may be, disputes are sometimes unavoidable. At MPP Legal, we guide you through alternative resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration, which can often save time and costs compared to court proceedings. When litigation is the only path forward, we build strategies based on a realistic evaluation of risks and outcomes. Startups operating in Texas gain an additional advantage through our Local Counsel Services, where our attorneys bring in-depth knowledge of Texas courts, procedures, and judges. Whether the dispute involves a contract, employment issue, or shareholder disagreement, we provide strong representation to protect your interests.
  
  
• Strategic Growth & Exit Planning- As your startup matures, planning for the future becomes as important as managing the present. We help structure mergers and acquisitions, ensuring favorable terms and seamless integration. For founders considering succession or the eventual sale of their company, we provide step-by-step guidance to maximize value while minimizing risk. And because growth doesn’t happen in a single moment, we offer Outside General Counsel packages that give you ongoing access to legal advice as your business evolves. By maintaining continuity, we ensure that your company is always legally prepared for its next stage of growth.
  
  

This structured roadmap ensures your startup has legal foresight at every milestone, avoiding costly mistakes while keeping your growth trajectory firmly on track. At MPP Legal, we don’t just solve problems, we prevent them, empowering you to build with confidence and focus on innovation while we handle the complexities of law.