The Legal Edge Every Startup Needs Smart Startups, Savvy Advice
A great lawyer could be terrible for your business.
from the internet and serving as a ‘do-it- yourself’ lawyer,” Crowley writes. “Also, it’s always better to anticipate difficult situations up front when people can be rational and not be overcome with emotion — the need to be ‘right,’ to vindicate ‘principles.’ I can tell you that vindicating principles can be VERY expensive if it comes to litigation. Trying to work things out when parties are at loggerheads, tempers have flared and emotions take over can destroy a venture. And, with proper planning and assistance, it doesn’t have to happen.” However, as Crowley cautions in his book, “not all attorneys are equal.” Utilizing an attorney who is not well-versed or experienced in your startup company’s field of endeavor can be more catastrophic to your business than not working with an attorney at all . He advises readers to ask any potential attorney these four questions for insight into his or her experience and abilities to handle startup clients: • Given my situation, how many clients have you represented with these types of issues?
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What do you see as the key issues for me to address?
As startup entrepreneurs work to bring their innovations to the marketplace, they must recognize that even the most forward- thinking and organized minds can’t know and do everything . A successful business leader acknowledges the need for professional expertise outside their understanding. For example, inventors may not know when and where to begin protecting their intellectual property or understand the nuances of obtaining patents. These are just two examples of why working with an experienced attorney specializing in these and other business-related matters is critical. In his new book, “AVOID STARTUP FAILURE!: Learn The Top Ten Causes Of Failure For Technology Startups And How To Turn Them To Your Advantage,” Philip Crowley of Crowley Law LLC outlines how and why having a business lawyer by your side, especially early in the formation process, will help protect your innovation from many of the common pitfalls that can lead a startup company to succumb under the weight of poor planning and inadequate implementation. “I’ve seen more than one client rue the day he or she saved $1,000 by taking some forms
“If a potential legal counsel won’t — or can’t — answer or address those questions, it would be prudent to consider interviewing another lawyer or two,” he writes. “AVOID STARTUP FAILURE!: Learn The Top Ten Causes Of Failure For Technology Startups And How To Turn Them To Your Advantage” is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions. Look for more details about the book in upcoming editions of this newsletter. Go to http://bit.ly/4396BxS to order your copy today! Note: This book does not constitute legal advice but is a general discussion of issues Crowley has observed in his years in practice. Before addressing any particular legal issues, you should consult counsel to review your circumstances. Visit the Crowley Law LLC website at CrowleyLawLLC.com to access the firm’s library of free resources, including “ From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market,” a regular video podcast featuring leaders in life sciences, technology, startups and related fields.
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What sorts of documents would be involved? How many transactions of this type or for related matters have you handled?
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Hope Through Education Help, Honor and Higher Learning
“Founded in 2018, Hope Through Education is committed to helping underprivileged students in central New Jersey reach their full potential through the gift of partial scholarships to attend quality, values- based institutions. “This year, we will distribute nearly $1.2 million in scholarships to over 600 deserving students. It’s been my honor to serve as president of the organization since 2020 and see our meaningful impact in our community. “Phil Crowley was an instrumental founder of Hope Through Education. He
served as secretary and legal advisor to the organization and helped build the foundation to what it is today. He’s a tremendous and incredibly generous man, and we’re very thankful to him. “We host four major fundraising events annually: a spring luncheon, a sporting clays event, a golf outing and our annual Hope Gala. The most recent gala was held Sept. 13 at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. We were very blessed to have Emma Watters as our gala chair and were fortunate to welcome around 200 guests. A student delivered a powerful testimonial, and another led
the Pledge of Allegiance. We also had a beautiful performance by Jillian Cardarelli, a country singer from Nashville. It was a great night for the kids. “Our next golf outing will be held Oct. 23, again at the Trump National Golf Club. For more information on Hope Through Education (including sponsorship opportunities), please visit us at HopeThroughEducationUSA.org or contact us at info@hopethrougheducationusa.org .” –Suzanne Humbert
2 — CROWLEYLAWLLC.COM
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