If your business activities require the services of a venture capital attorney or law firm it will be beneficial to you and your bottom line to conduct some prepatory research. By doing so you will learn what your business should expect when working with top venture capital law firms in terms of services, experience and outcome.

Entering into a law firm venture capital endeavor as an informed client will ensure your business is not exposed to any surprises or caught off guard. You will be able to efficiently plan out your project goals and effectively assess results. Consider the following before working with venture capital law firms:

1. Gain an understanding of the typical venture capital legal services and practices your company should expect to be offered.

2. Read articles and reports pertaining to venture capital lawyers and firms to become informed regarding industry news and trends.

3. Understand what kind of an experience you should expect when working with venture capital attorneys.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the types of VC law services you should expect

Acquiring an accurate understanding of the types of lawyer venture capital services you should expect is essential for you to be able to access whether or not your business will benefit from the relationship. A number of venture capital firm websites provide descriptions of offered services. Take a look at the information and determine whether or not such firms will be of utility to your business.

I recommend: Review the types of services you should be offered at the websites of the law firms of Pepper Hamilton and Fulbright & Jaworski.

Take advantage of articles and reports concerning venture capital laws

Look through articles and reports that can help inform you about the VC industry and provide you with insights into what it's like to work with a venture capitalist lawyer. You will add to your VC knowledge and afford your business with a solid foundation from which to draw calculated and enlightened decision-making capabilities. Utilize the Internet to access VC papers and articles.

I recommend: Peruse the articles and white papers available at the newsstand provided by Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge. Purchase a report focusing on venture capital forms and analysis at Research Markets.

Browse case studies to understand the experience you should expect when working with a VC law firm

Taking a look at other businesses' experiences working with attorneys for venture capital will allow you to fully grasp what your company should anticipate, receive and accomplish in your vc activities. Most VC firm websites provide such information and can be accessed online. Utilize these descriptions to aid in your business operations but remember that each business and each VC activity are different and experiences will vary.

I recommend: Read through client experiences at Perkins Coie, or gain a better understanding of the types of companies and organizations utilize venture capital services by reviewing a representative client list at Cooley Godward Kronish.

Legal representation and consultation from venture capital law firms can help you grow your business. Venture capital attorneys specialize in helping private equity firms and investors structure and negotiate a variety of investments that will positively affect their bottom line.

While retaining a venture capital attorney can be expensive, counsel from an experienced venture capitalist lawyer can be invaluable. Consider the following tips to help you find venture capital legal services that align with your business and budgetary objectives:

1. Ensure venture capital attorney rates are within your budget.

2. Evaluate services offered by VC law firms.

3. Retain an attorney knowledgeable about venture capital laws.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain fee quotes from several venture capital law firms

There are a variety of local, national and global large and small venture capital law firms from which to choose. Be sure to compare billing rates and alternative fee arrangements, venture capital attorney experience and the type of venture capital legal services offered. While rates are important, finding a law firm venture capital investors recommend as experienced ranks high on the list when choosing a venture capitalist lawyer.

I recommend: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is an experienced venture capital law firm that has helped a broad range of companies expand their businesses. Heller Ehrman Venture Law Group counsels businesses on a broad range of venture capital services.

Get the venture capital legal services you need

Venture capital law firms offer a broad range of services from fund formation to documenting and structuring investments. Think about your business and determine the venture capital legal services that are most beneficial for your business operations.

I recommend: Review Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for a listing of some of the top venture capital attorneys in the country. Foley & Lardner bring a sophisticated and efficient approach to structuring funds and their investments.

Contract with a venture capital law firm

After researching firm offerings, decide on a lawyer venture capital investors have used for similar business operations and legal needs as your company. Also, be sure that the fee arrangement is clearly outlined and that the attorney has no conflicts in representing your business.

I recommend: Godfrey & Kahn regularly advises investors on the creation and negotiation of a variety of investments. Gallagher, Callahan and Gartrell counsels businesses on fund formation as well as documenting and structuring investments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to always ask a venture capital attorney for proof of his venture capital experience and overall success rate in advising companies similar to yours. It is also a good idea to get venture capital law firm and attorney referrals from friends and business associates who have successfully expanded their businesses as a result of advice from the particular venture capital attorney or law firm.