Most entrepreneurs start a business because they have a vision of a great product or service, and a passion to provide it to waiting customers.  But while dreams and passion fuel every successful endeavor, a prosperous company must be built on a business structure right for the scope of the idea.  And this structure must stand on a solid legal foundation designed to protect the company in case of unforeseen setbacks.


“A lot of people find themselves in trouble down the road for lack of good legal advice in the beginning,” Rob says.  “New entrepreneurs are full of energy and great ideas, but there is no way they can anticipate all the possible pitfalls that lie in wait for a new business owner.”  (See 10 Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make)

   
How should you structure and organize your company?  Should you incorporate or form an LLC?  What kind of organizing documents do you need?   How do you raise money?  What kind of agreement(s) should you have with your co-founders and key employees?  How do you protect your intellectual property?  Are there are liability issues or contracts that need to be dealt with?


With decades of experience (link to bio) in guiding young startups, Rob knows exactly how to help you decide on the right structure your business, and how to design agreements and contracts that will protect your dream, and give it the greatest possible chance of success.


“It would be very rare to have an issue or problem that I haven’t already encountered and solved numerous times for previous clients,” says Rob.  “That’s the kind of experience and mindset that business owners want and need in their legal counsel.”





A Deal-Making Mindset


A business owner needs an attorney that will help make deals happen.   Yet, many attorneys could be more accurately described as “business prevention departments.”  Out of inexperience or an overabundance of caution, they run up fees in endless “what ifs” and back and forth exercises that end up costing their clients thousands of dollars in unnecessary negotiations. Or, they perceive their role as the person who says ‘no,’ and may shoot off nasty letters when a friendly phone is more appropriate.


“It takes experience, creativity and a deal-making attitude to look at situations from every possible angle and figure out a way to make a deal work,” says Rob.  “I make sure I leave no stone unturned in a negotiation or structuring a transaction.”



While sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from, you should only walk away after being satisfied that there is no other alternative.  Rob is highly regarded by his clients as a savvy deal-maker, not a deal breaker.  (See Testimonials)





A Compelling Value Proposition



Rob’s legal expertise is complemented by his business background, which includes several board of director positions and a turnaround CEO position during which he revitalized a food products company, increased sales and successfully sold the company at a premium. He has also co-founded a winery, as well as three non-profits in the educational field.   All of which means Rob has a thorough understanding that legal services must be a compelling value proposition for young businesses.



“The truth is that not many young companies have the funding or budget to get everything done legally that can be done for maximum protection,” Rob said.  “I help them prioritize their legal needs, ensure they keep costs within their budget, and get the highest possible value for their legal dollar.”



Rob works directly with clients at a billing rate less than the mid- to large-size law firms, giving clients the benefits of big firm experience at an affordable cost. Plus, Rob refuses to charge for short phone calls or short emails, so clients can relax and know that they are not being billed for every second of consultation.  This allows clients more freedom to ask questions, gives them greater confidence and fosters a closer attorney-client partnership.

​

​

Part of Your Team


Business success is almost always the result of a team effort.   And a good attorney is not just a legal advisor, but will also serve as knowledgeable mentor, tireless advocate and reliable team player.
 
“My clients consider me to be part of their management team. Often we will just brainstorm a particular subject at no charge to make sure the company is examining all of their strategic options,” Rob says. “A good attorney will play a number of roles for a young company – legal counsel, mentor, strategic/vision consultant, board member, psychologist, money raiser, marketing consultant, bad cop and friend. That’s all part of being an experienced part of the management team.”



To contact Rob, email him at dunawaylegal@gmail.com, or call 602-468-5751