How a Lawyer Can Supercharge Your Startup: A Guide for 30-Year-Old Entrepreneurs

Starting your own business in your 30s is both exciting and daunting. You might have drive, a well-formed idea, and be financially ready - but navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming. With SE Lawyers, it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve written our latest blog specifically for young people, with a focus on how a good legal team can supercharge your business and experience as an entrepreneur. Read it below to find out how we can support you.

1. A lawyer can provide advice on your business structure

Whether you are entering your business as a sole trader, company, partnership, or trust, this can impact everything from taxes and liability, to future growth. Setting up the right structure from the outset is crucial, as changing it later can be complex and costly. With an experienced business law team, you’ll have all of your options explained in plain-English. We’ll also help you weigh up your pros and cons, to ensure that your business is ready for long-term success.

2. They will help you protect your intellectual property from competitors

Your IP - otherwise known as your intellectual property - is arguably the most valuable asset of your business. Examples of IP can include your brand name, logo, content you create or concepts that you invent. When working with a lawyer, they will help you to secure trademarks, patents and copyrights so that any IP created by you, your team, or other third parties is legally owned by your company. Doing this means that you won’t face nasty disputes and can make your business more attractive to investors and partners.

3. You can get your contracts sorted

For business relationships involving clients, suppliers, or employees, it’s important to have them formalised by clear, legally sound contracts. Lawyers draft and review these agreements to protect your interests, spell out expectations, and reduce the risk of disputes. They will also ensure your contracts comply with consumer laws and industry standards.

4. You’ll be able to avoid legal pitfalls and focus on compliance

From business registrations to tax filings and regulatory requirements, compliance can be a minefield. Missing a deadline or overlooking a regulation can lead to fines, or the closure of a business. Having a law team in your corner can keep you on track with ongoing compliance, so that you can focus on growing your business without the fear of a nasty surprise.

5. A lawyer will help you identify if you need a co-founder agreement to prevent disputes

If you’re starting up with friends or colleagues, a co-founder agreement is essential. It sets out roles, responsibilities, equity splits, and what happens if someone leaves the company. Having advice from a lawyer about an agreement offers clarity, and prevents misunderstandings that can protect both your business and your relationships.

6. You’ll get the rundown on employment law basics as a first-time boss

Creating a business usually means that you will be hiring your first employee! This is an exciting achievement, but you’ll also need to think about contracts, workplace policies, and compliance with employment laws. If this all sounds overwhelming, a lawyer can help you draft employment agreements, set up fair policies, and avoid costly mistakes like unfair dismissal claims or wage disputes.

7. You can address the financial side of your business and plans for raising capital

Whether you’re bootstrapping, seeking angel investment, or going for venture capital, a lawyer can guide you through the legal side of raising funds. They help with shareholder agreements, investor rights, and regulatory compliance, making your business more attractive to potential backers.

Your next steps

 Lawyers don’t just fix problems, we help you avoid them. By identifying risks early and putting the right protections in place, we can save you time, money, and stress down the road. Your 30s are a fantastic time to build something big. But with the right legal support and advice, you’ll have the confidence and protection you need to turn your vision into a thriving business.

 Our team at SE Lawyers is passionate about providing business owners of all ages the support they need to reach their business goals. To chat about what you need and how we can get your legals sorted, reach out to our team here.