Startup Legal Counsel
Build Your Startup on Solid Legal Ground.
Most startups don't think about legal structure until something goes wrong — a co-founder dispute, an investor term sheet they don't understand, or a contract they signed without reading carefully. By then, fixing it costs ten times more than getting it right from the start.
Ainsworth Gorkin provides practical, founder-focused legal counsel for NYC startups and early-stage companies. We help you build on solid ground — so you can focus on building your business.
We help startups with:
→ Entity formation & structure
→ Co-founder agreements
→ VC & investor term sheets
→ Equity & vesting agreements
→ Employment & contractor agreements
→ IP protection basics
→ SaaS & vendor contracts
What We Handle
Legal Services for NYC Startups & Early-Stage Companies
01
Entity Formation & Structure
LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp — we help you choose the right structure for your goals, investors, and tax situation, and get it set up correctly from day one.
02
Co-Founder Agreements
Roles, equity splits, vesting schedules, IP assignment, and what happens if a founder leaves. The conversation no one wants to have — until they have to.
03
VC & Investor Term Sheets
SAFEs, convertible notes, priced rounds — we review and negotiate the terms so you understand what you're giving up before you sign.
04
Equity & Vesting Agreements
Stock option plans, restricted stock, vesting cliffs, and acceleration provisions. Structured correctly so you're not fighting over equity later.
05
Vendor & Customer Contracts
SaaS agreements, MSAs, NDAs, and service contracts — drafted to protect your interests and anticipate what could go wrong.
06
Employment & Contractor Agreements
Offer letters, employment contracts, contractor agreements, and non-compete clauses that comply with New York law and protect the company.
When to Call Us
The Right Time to Get Legal Help Is Before You Need It.
Here are the four moments every startup should have a lawyer involved — whether they do or not.
01
Before You Form the Company
Entity type, state of formation, and ownership structure are decisions that are expensive to undo. Get them right before you file anything.
02
Before You Bring on a Co-Founder
Co-founder disputes are one of the top causes of startup failure. A proper co-founder agreement covers equity, roles, IP, and exit scenarios before they become problems.
03
Before You Take Investment
A SAFE or term sheet is a legal document. Investors have lawyers. You should too — before you sign anything that affects your ownership or control.
04
Before You Sign a Major Contract
Enterprise customers, key vendors, and strategic partners will send you their paper. That paper protects them — not you. Have us review it first.
Why Ainsworth Gorkin
Startup Counsel That Speaks Founder.
Most lawyers who work with startups either don't understand the startup world, or they charge big-law rates that make no sense for an early-stage company. Ainsworth Gorkin is different on both counts.
Levi and Shaya understand how startups operate — the speed, the constraints, the trade-offs founders make. We give you practical advice, not theoretical legal opinions. We tell you what the risk actually is, not just that a risk exists.
And we're a boutique firm — so our rates reflect that. We offer flat-fee arrangements for common startup tasks like entity formation, co-founder agreements, and contract review, so you know exactly what you're paying.
We're Invested in Your Success
We've worked with founders from idea stage through funding rounds and beyond. We know what the legal infrastructure of a well-built company looks like — and we help you build it from the ground up.
1
Partners Handle Your Matter DirectlyNo associates, no handoffs. Levi or Shaya works on your matter from start to finish.
2
Flat Fees for Defined WorkEntity formation, co-founder agreements, NDA review — we offer flat fees for defined scope work so you know the cost upfront.
3
Practical, Not TheoreticalWe tell you what the risk actually is and how to handle it — not just that a risk exists. Founders need actionable advice, not hedged opinions.
4
Available When You Need UsStartups move fast. We pick up the phone, respond to emails, and turn around urgent matters quickly.
5
Free Initial ConsultationEvery new matter starts with a free consultation. We'll give you an honest assessment before you commit to anything.
Ready to build your startup on solid legal ground?
Free consultation. Flat fees available. No legal jargon.