Startup Legalities: Contracts & Governance for New Entrepreneurs.
Most startup legal problems don't start as legal issues — they start as informal agreements, quick decisions, and "we'll figure it out later" moments.
Reserve your spot — Startup Legalities Webinar
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Inside the Startup Legalities Webinar
Every startup runs on two systems — contracts (how you deal with the outside world) and governance (how decisions get made inside). When these are clear, things run smoothly. When they're not, problems surface under pressure.
Contract Mistakes to Avoid
The most common contract missteps early-stage founders make — and how to spot them before they cost you a deal or a partner.
Informal vs. Enforceable
The difference between handshake deals and protective contracts — and why "we'll figure it out later" is the riskiest clause in your business.
Contractors & Partners
How to structure contractor and partner relationships the right way: misclassification, IP ownership, and authority lines clarified.
Governance for Early-Stage
What governance actually means — even at the seed stage — and why decisions made informally today become disputes tomorrow.
Founder Alignment
How to prevent misalignment and disputes between founders and team members before they crack a young company in half.
Legal Health Framework
A simple checklist to assess whether your startup is legally "buttoned up" — what to fix now, and what can wait.
The Hidden Risk Most Founders Ignore
You're already making legal decisions. This webinar helps you make them intentionally — instead of discovering the gaps later, under pressure.
Make Decisions Intentionally
Stop deferring legal clarity. Avoid the "we'll figure it out later" trap that surfaces during growth or fundraising.
Avoid Costly Surprises
Address issues early instead of under pressure — when a dispute, due diligence, or growth event makes them expensive.
Real-World Guidance
Practical takeaways from a corporate attorney who's worked with seed-stage startups, SaaS companies, funds, and public companies — not legal theory or jargon.
Meet Richard Devlin, Esq.
Richard has extensive experience as a corporate attorney — across large law firms, solo practice, and in-house counsel roles. His work spans public and private securities transactions, contracts, risk management, lending, global enterprises, corporate governance, and M&A, with a particular focus on regulated industries.
He has served as inside counsel for corporations in technology, SaaS, and investment services, and has worked with companies of all sizes — from seed-stage startups to public companies, alternative investment funds, registered broker-dealers, and real estate investment trusts, with a specialization in private fundraising. Richard has also served as an advisory board member to two early-stage startup enterprises.
Earlier in his career, Richard was an associate attorney at Reed Smith, LLP and Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, specializing in corporate and transactional law. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from The American University in Washington, DC, and is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.