Posts Tagged ‘New York’

Should I Use My Investor’s Lawyer?

by Scott Edward Walker on August 31st, 2011

Introduction

This post was originally part of the “Ask the Attorney” series which I am writing for VentureBeat (one of my favorite websites for entrepreneurs).  Please shoot me any questions you may have in the comments section – or feel free to call me directly at 415-979-9998 (San Francisco) or 310-288-6667 (Los Angeles).  Thanks, Scott

Question

We’re a startup based in Palo Alto, and we just received a Series A term sheet for a $725,000 investment.  The investor is kind of insisting that we use his lawyer at a big Valley firm to represent us.  He said that he doesn’t need a lawyer, and this will save us a lot of money.  We’re first time entrepreneurs, and we don’t know if this is standard practice and what we should do.  Any advice would be appreciated.

(more…)

Doing Deals – 3 Tips for Entrepreneurs (Part 3)

by Scott Edward Walker on August 25th, 2011

Introduction

I’ve been doing deals as a corporate lawyer for 17+ years, and there are certain fundamental mistakes that I’ve seen entrepreneurs make over and over again.  Accordingly, I thought it would be helpful to share three basic tips in connection with doing deals.  This is part three of a three-part series, which was originally posted on Forbes.

In part one, I discussed the importance of being careful with letters of intent, creating a competitive environment and using your lawyer as a “bad cop.”  In part two, I discussed the importance of checking your emotions and remaining disciplined, not blinking first and leaving some chips on the table.

(more…)

Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed: Naval Ravikant (Fundraising)

by Scott Edward Walker on June 26th, 2011

To Our Clients & Friends: Welcome to our weekly series entitled “Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed.”  Each week, we share a favorite video of a successful entrepreneur, investor or business leader on a variety of topics.  This week, we are sharing a bonus video: the first keynote address at the 7th Founder Showcase in San Francisco entitled “The Anatomy of a Fundable Startup,” presented by Naval Ravikant.  This is the bookend to Mark Suster’s address, “Getting Funded in a Frothy Market” (which we posted on Friday).

(more…)

What’s It Like Working at a Major New York City Law Firm?

by Scott Edward Walker on January 26th, 2011

Introduction

About once a week, I receive an email or phone call from a law school student asking for career advice and specifically inquiring what it’s like working at a major New York City law firm (as I did for nearly eight years).  I discuss below the good, the bad and the ugly.

(more…)