Finding the right law firm is one of the biggest challenges of starting a business.  In our opinion, your lawyer should not only be a trusted advisor who will work with you on how to properly run your company, they should have a partner-like attitude that helps you protect your limited assets while also taking the time to introduce you into their network whenever and wherever it might help advance the growth of your company.  Here are some of the law firms we’ve had the best results with in this regard:

Basic Legal Representation

US & International

Baker & McKenzie

The Venture Capital and Private Equity Practice of Baker & McKenzie is uniquely situated to serve as a "one-stop shop" for the investment and operating needs of our investor and operating company clients wherever in the world their business takes them. From the financial and technology centers of the Americas, Europe and Asia, Baker & McKenzie provides an integrated, domestic and cross-border solutions to doing business, bringing to bear in each location experienced native lawyers familiar not only with local legal issues but with current business, technology and investment trends. We couple this with a focused, coordinated approach to client service which substantially reduces the time, energy and resources necessary to structure and administer investment and operating activities in both local and foreign markets.

We welcome you to learn more about our venture capital and private equity capabilities, wherever your business takes you.

Squire Sanders & Dempsey, LLP

Squire Sanders has been providing quality legal services since the firm's founding in 1890. For more than a century, our lawyers have counseled clients by applying our deep experience in many disciplines and applications of the law. Notable practice areas and the related issues addressed by each practice are listed below (Note: TVA has filtered out only those areas related to growing early-stage companies):

Southern California

CORBETT, STEELMAN & SPECTER is one of Southern California's most recognized law firms. Founded in 1979, the Firm concentrates its practice in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. The Firm is Martindale-Hubbell A-V rated and includes some of the area's most respected attorneys in the following areas:

       *    Corporate and Business Practice
       *    Intellectual Property/Trademarks and Unfair Competition Litigation
       *    Employment and Law Labor
       *    Professional Liability Defense Litigation
       *    Public Entities
       *    Financial Institution and Related Representation
       *    Title Company
       *    Securities Litigation
       *    Appellate Practice

Intellectual Property Protection

Baker & McKenzie

Patents, trademarks and copyrights are the foundation of many major businesses -- and critical assets in many more.  How you define and protect your innovation and creativity are strategic bottom-line issues.

But in a world where piracy and counterfeiting are rampant and the temptation to violate IP rights is strong, you can never rest easy.  The changes that made global markets possible and profitable also have made theft of intellectual assets lucrative and pervasive.  The need to use IP rights innovatively to maintain a competing edge has never been more acute.  You need to respond vigorously and globally.

Knobbe Martens Olson & Baer, LLP

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP was founded in 1962. With more than 160 lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law, the firm is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States. We serve clients around the globe in all areas of intellectual property law. Our clients include public and private companies at various stages of growth from start-up to Fortune 500.

Patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, trade secrets and rights of publicity are all components of our practice. The firm's practice includes client consultation, licensing, preparation and procurement of patents and trademarks, copyright applications, appeals, oppositions and cancellations and intellectual property litigation before federal and state courts.