The Evolution of the Law Firm
Digital is our default
We know that today's clients are technologically sophisticated and expect the same from their service providers. We leverage technology to streamline communication, keep projects organized and make our workflow as efficient as possible.
Let me share my screen!
Ah, so much clearer.
Matthew G, CEO, CovalentCreative
@VirtualCounsel challenges the status quo... they use modern technology and modern communication systems, which is really important to us.
Custom solutions for
every stage in the journey
We take a unique approach to leveraging technology and predictable fees to handle serious legal concerns when it comes to assessing and addressing risk. We strategically partner with our clients in a way no other firm can (or will) do.
Discovery
After an initial consult and conflict check, we'll customize a scope of work and present options to work together based on your current needs.
Onboarding
You'll get a one-click link to access your quote, engagement letter, and payment portal. Once you review and e-sign, our attorney-client relationship will begin.
System setup
Now it's time to set up all our technology tools for better communication and project visibility, including Slack, Basecamp, and Google Drive.
Dedicated support
You'll have a dedicated team of experienced corporate attorneys at your fingertips 24/7, protecting your business and eliminating the deep source of stress, uncertainty, and risk in your business.
We use technology to make your life easier.
Hey @VC can you shoot me a link to that licensing agreement?
@Kim no problem, here it is.
This cap table is complex, let me explain with a video.
@CEO you can find all the fundraising docs organized here.
@COO click here to approve the option grants.
Slack
We use Slack, a messaging app for businesses, to communicate with our clients and integrate into your existing workflow so that we immediately become an extension of your team. No other lawyers do this.
Loom
Sometimes writing doesn’t do enough to convey complex documents. We use Loom to record videos to add context and detailed explanations while screen recording so you get the full picture.
Basecamp
Email is the new snail mail.™️ Basecamp is a far more organized and efficient replacement for email because everything lives in one place. We use Basecamp to manage projects so that nothing ever slips through the cracks.
Carta
We are a proud Carta Partner. With Carta, we manage all things equity for our clients in one place, including cap tables, valuations, fundraising, etc. Equity can be complex. We make it simple using Carta.
We use technology to make your life easier.
Hey @VC can you shoot me a link to that licensing agreement?
@Kim no problem, here it is.
This cap table is complex, let me explain with a video.
@CEO you can find all the fundraising docs organized here.
@COO click here to approve the option grants.
Slack
We use Slack, a messaging app for businesses, to communicate with our clients and integrate into your existing workflow so that we immediately become an extension of your team. No other lawyers do this.
Loom
Sometimes writing doesn’t do enough to convey complex documents. We use Loom to record videos to add context and detailed explanations while screen recording so you get the full picture.
Basecamp
Email is the new snail mail.™️ Basecamp is a far more organized and efficient replacement for email because everything lives in one place. We use Basecamp to manage projects so that nothing ever slips through the cracks.
Carta
We are a proud Carta Partner. With Carta, we manage all things equity for our clients in one place, including cap tables, valuations, fundraising, etc. Equity can be complex. We make it simple using Carta.
What our clients are saying
Click on a client below to hear more about their @VirtualCounsel experience.
Adam Apollo
,
CEO, Superluminal Systems
Industry:
Blockchain; Crypto; Development
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2020
Fun fact:
Adam is proficient in communicating complex subjects like sacred geometry and astrophysics to a wide range of audiences at varying skill levels. He's a badass DJ too.
Superluminal Systems is currently developing several confidential projects that intend to support a global social operating system using fractal cryptocurrency transactions and ownership.
Superluminal Systems relies on @VirtualCounsel as fractional General Counsel to navigate the various complex corporate, SEC, and regulatory obstacles it faces as it takes on massive and novel initiatives in the social media and cryptocurrency spaces. We have collaborated together on countless projects including: fundraising efforts, cap table management; joint venture agreements; MSA/SOW, licensing agreements, equity compensation, employment matters, etc.
"Some of my favorite colleagues I’ve ever worked with."
After working with @VirtualCounsel, I suddenly found my company taking off. Everything I needed to do on the legal side of things was right at my fingertips and there was a team ready and willing to communicate with me about my business needs."
Adam Apollo
,
CEO, Superluminal Systems
Watch video
Alex Fairman
,
Co-Founder, Logos
Industry:
Software; Pyschometric Assessment
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2018
Fun fact:
Alex is a talented musical artist who curates transformational concert experiences.
Alex co-founded Logos to revolutionize the way that individuals, coaches, couples, and teams clarify their zones of genius using the world's most revealing psychometric assessment tools available.
Alex has been working with @VirtualCounsel since its inception on Logos, various business projects of his own, and also with his business partners involving corporate formation, ownership, and consulting on key business relationships, and just about any legal or strategic issue that Alex and his team have come across.
“A Godsend”
"I am able to talk to someone on the @VC team at any point in time using Slack (which is what I use for my business) and get the answers I need about legal without being on this crazy, on the clock, hourly billing cycle that the traditional lawyers use."
Alex Fairman
,
Co-Founder, Logos
Watch video
Brendan Kennedy
,
Founder & CEO, NxTSTOP
Industry:
Apparrel; Retail/Wholesale/Distribution
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2020
Fun fact:
Brendan is a seasoned world traveler, experienced windsurfer, and makes a mean soufflé.
NxTSTOP makes functional, sustainable travel apparrel, they're a direct to consumer brand that also works with some of the largest companies in the world.
NxTSTOP and @VirtualCounsel have worked together for years on complex B2B transactions, corporate restructuring, cap table management, fundraising, equity incentive, and employment matters.
"Recommend to any startup or growing business."
“I’m a huge fan of @VirtualCounsel because I’ve seen how cost-effective they are, how quickly they work, and how closely they work with me, as a small team, to make sure I get what I need done.”
Brendan Kennedy
,
Founder & CEO, NxTSTOP
Watch video
Christian Chasmer
,
Co-Founder & COO, Vessel Health
Industry:
Biometric HealthTech
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2020
Fun fact:
Christian runs a no-tech retreat in his Connecticut cabin for tech entrepreneurs to disconnect from their devices for a week and reconnect with nature and themselves.
Vessel is a completely remote organization with 50+ employees across the US an internationally. To run a large tech organization remotely requires incredibly strong procedures and communication, and Christian has cultivated them from the ground up.
Vessel relies on @VirtualCounsel as fractional General Counsel, and has collaborated together with numerous projects including: fundraising; equity compensation; cap table management; licensing; FDA/regulatory analysis; SaaS agreements; vendor/B2B contract negotiation; hiring/firing; employee severance; dispute mitigation, etc.
"We see them as a partner and an internal team."
"I honestly have had the best experience working with @VirtualCounsel. Not just the predictability of payments, but more so the level of service has been above and beyond any service-based company I have ever worked with."
Christian Chasmer
,
Co-Founder & COO, Vessel Health
Watch video
James Hodges
,
CEO & Co-Founder, Amphibian Capital
Industry:
Finance; Investments
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2018
Fun fact:
James is building a community of conscious entrepreneurs in Costa Rica.
James co-founded Amphibian Capital in 2022 to consciously build a community fund to invest in projects designed to usher in the New Earth.
James has been working with @VirtualCounsel since its inception on Amphibian Capital and various business projects involving corporate formation, ownership, and consulting on key business relationships, and just about any legal or strategic issue that James and his team have come across.
"Absolute gamechanger."
“@VirtualCounsel is also strategic in terms of helping us to think about our risks in a different way, and some of those other things that I may not think of… they help me manage downside, think through things in detail, manage things with employees/team, and structure everything in smart and effective way.”
James Hodges
,
CEO & Co-Founder, Amphibian Capital
Watch video
Kim Roach
,
Founder, Kim Roach Collective
Industry:
Coaching; Healing; Retreats
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2022
Fun fact:
Kim's sound healing experiences are out of this world!
Kim is a badass solopreneur. She started her coaching, sound healing, and retreat business by herself from the ground up and has developed a powerful offering for her clients and the world.
Kim is what we like to call a DIY-CEO. In other words, she is highly skilled in most every area of business development, and has the ability to do just about everything herself. However, as she is growing in her role as a CEO and a healer, she now wisely decides to empower others to be in their zones of genius, which is why choosing @VirtualCounsel to handle her business formation was key to her leveling up her business.
"Affordable and super easy"
“@VirtualCounsel made it super affordable and super easy and they did it in a quick manner as well. Thank you for making my life so much easier.”
Kim Roach
,
Founder, Kim Roach Collective
Watch video
Matthew Geller
,
Co-Founder & CEO, CovalentCreative
Industry:
Healthcare Media; Publication
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2014
Fun fact:
Matt is retired Doctor of Optometry and an outstanding photographer.
Dr. Matt Geller stopped seeing patients so he could focus on filling a need in the optometric space for reliable content and career development for other doctors, and for the eyecare industry as a whole.
Covalent and @VC have collaborated on just about every corporate, business, and strategic project (e.g., equity compensation, cap table management in Carta, M&A, employment, licensing contracts, etc.) since Covalent started with just 3 employees. Now, Covalent has grown to over 40 employees, and @VC operates as fractional General Counsel for Covalent as a true extension of Covalent's team.
"Culturally they're a fit."
“@VirtualCounsel has seen it and done everything with us… We’ve undergone acquisition, share buybacks, very very complex legal agreements with Fortune100 and Fortune10 companies… They’ve done an incredible job.”
Matthew Geller
,
Co-Founder & CEO, CovalentCreative
Watch video
Michael Supina
,
CEO, Motiv Mktg
Industry:
Digital Marketing
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2020
Fun fact:
Michael has one of the most disciplined morning routines known to @VC.
Michael has grown from a DIY-CEO to a powerful leader of Motiv Mkth. He realized that his talents as a digital marketer deserve to be enhanced by building a team and a system of delivery around his business.
With growth comes growing pains and Motiv Mktg collaborates with @VirtualCounsel with every one of those pain points including: hiring decisions, strategy decisions; contract negotiation, business development, etc.
"I will never go anywhere else."
"I can actually talk to them . . . they're not stuck up attorneys who you can't really have a conversation with. I actually ENJOY talking with my legal team!"
Michael Supina
,
CEO, Motiv Mktg
Watch video
Sean Ring
,
Co-Founder, Fulcrum
Industry:
SaaS; Workforce efficiency and productivity
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2019
Fun fact:
Despite all the time spent in front of a computer, Sean can beat the Founder of @VC in just about every sport he dares to challenge.
Fulcrum relies on @VirtualCounsel as fractional General Counsel and have been collaborating together over several years, product advancements, pivots, fundraising rounds, and overal structural changes during its growth as a software and SaaS company in the workforce efficiency and productivity space. We have worked together on SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, MSA/SOWs with some of the biggest companies in the world, employment matters, cap table management, contract negotiation, etc.
“I would use them in any company I start, in perpetuity.”
“@VC came in at a really critical time. They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”
Sean Ring
,
Co-Founder, Fulcrum
Watch video
Sergio Maldonado
,
CEO, Undaunted
Industry:
Film Production
Started working with @VC:
January 1, 2020
Fun fact:
Undaunted has produced some of the coolest hip hop videos in the industry, and the Founder of @VC has a dream of making a cameo in a hip hop video - perhaps one day it will become a reality!
Undaunted is a film and art production company that has a boutique set of clients and projects primarily in Los Angeles, CA.
@VirtualCounsel has supported Undaunted with various projects including: contract negotiation; licensing; disputes; business strategy, etc.
"They saved me $15,000."
“After setting up my LLC, almost immediately I was being sued by somebody. But, I had @VirtualCounsel there, they were prepared, I sent the problem to them, from that point on they took care of it – and they saved me $15,000. It was easy. I loved it.”
Sergio Maldonado
,
CEO, Undaunted
Watch video
Corporate Formation
Founder Agreements
Fundraising
Equity Compensation
MSA / SOW
Deal Negotiation
Corporate Formation
Founder Agreements
Fundraising
Equity Compensation
MSA / SOW
Deal Negotiation
Cap Table Management
Hiring / Firing Employment Law
Contracts / Licensing
B2B Contracts
Terms of Service / Privacy Policy
Acquisitions
Cap Table Management
Hiring / Firing Employment Law
Contracts / Licensing
B2B Contracts
Terms of Service / Privacy Policy
Acquisitions
FAQs
How does the cost stack up against hourly?
On average our clients pay about 1/3rd of the cost if they were paying by the hour. We know, it’s a bit hard to believe, but what happens in our relationships with clients is that - since you’re not being charged for every email and every minute on the phone, you end up communicating with us way more - that’s the point!
How can you possibly run a business at only about 1/3rd what you would get if you were charging hourly?
Well, clients likely wouldn’t reach out to us as much if they were being charged hourly - since our clients communicate with us more consistently month over month using the technology we’ve chosen to replace email - our ways of communication become way more efficient. Moreover, business and the law are fluid - some months/seasons out of the year are much busier than others, and over the course of our relationships with our clients the monthly investment in us tends to even out to a place where we are happy not charging hourly.
Do I get a dedicated attorney point of contact?
Yes. At the beginning of a relationship you will have a kick-off call with one of our talented attorneys who will operate as your primary point of contact. Even better, our technology gives our whole firm - all attorneys, legal staff, etc. - visibility into every client’s confidential portal. So you will have a team of bright minds collaborating on the important work for your business - and will always have your primary attorney POC running point.
However, @VirtualCounsel retains complete discretion in assigning work within our team.
However, @VirtualCounsel retains complete discretion in assigning work within our team.
What level of contact will I have with my attorney if I’m a @VirtualCounsel subscriber?
You have unlimited access to your attorney POC and the entire team via Slack, Basecamp, email (if you’re into that kind of thing). Also, depending on your subscription tier, you will have a standing call set up either monthly or bi-weekly with your attorney POC. You may always call us ad hoc on top of our standing calls, but we’ve found that between the unlimited access + standing calls that you’ll be more than covered.
How much do I get in a @VC monthly plan?
All plans include unlimited communication and access to us. When it comes to work product and projects, we customize our monthly plans to suit your needs. Schedule a call!
How much does @VC monthly subscription cost?
Our subscription tiers range from $595 to $9,995+/mo depending on your company's size, needs, stage, etc. Schedule a call!
When does our attorney-client relationship begin?
You’ll receive a formal Engagement Agreement, which, once signed, creates an attorney-client relationship between us!
Once you process payment and sign the Engagement Agreement, we will begin onboarding you to @VirtualCounsel with an email explaining next steps!
Once you process payment and sign the Engagement Agreement, we will begin onboarding you to @VirtualCounsel with an email explaining next steps!
What is @VirtualCounsel?
VirtualCounsel, PC (i.e., @VirtualCounsel) is a virtual law firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. We are progressive corporate attorneys. We are a startup ourselves, and we built our law firm to serve startups in the way that we believe a professional service provider should serve their clients.
What law firm will provide my legal services?
VirtualCounsel, PC (i.e., @VirtualCounsel) is a virtual law firm, headquartered in San Diego, CA.
@VirtualCounsel™️ is not a law firm. Any legal services will be performed by the law firm VirtualCounsel, PC, a California professional law corporation.
@VirtualCounsel™️ is not a law firm. Any legal services will be performed by the law firm VirtualCounsel, PC, a California professional law corporation.
How will I be charged?
Legal fees are often a hot topic with our clients, so we want to share our philosophy with you. We prefer to engage in a @VC Monthly Subscription for legal projects instead of charging by the hour because we want to become strategic partners with our clients and we want to help you to grow. We have found that engaging in an @VC Monthly Subscription fosters a better attorney-client relationship. Because we want you to succeed, we will always treat you with respect and fairness and we never want you to be shocked with a surprise bill. That said, some matters are better suited for flat rate or hourly billing and if/when that type of billing becomes necessary we will discuss it with you in a collaborative forum.
How does @VC Monthly Subscription work?
Payment for @VC Monthly Subscription is considered earned when charged and is paid directly to our operating account at that time. We will begin our representation in the @VC Monthly Subscription detailed in your Engagement Agreement, which is subject to change respective to change(s) in Scope of Work. Any such changes will be communicated and mutually agreed upon prior to taking effect.
What is the subscription commitment term?
We ask our clients to commit to a minimum of three (3) months of @VC Monthly Subscription, due to the Firm’s in-depth involvement and time commitment during onboarding and performing substantive work when our clients start with @VC.
Most of our clients choose to remain on @VC Monthly Subscription for the lifetime of their businesses. However, you are always entitled to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your Monthly Subscription at any time after the initial commitment.
Any downgrades or cancellations will take effect thirty (30) days after you notify us of your desire to downgrade or cancel.
Most of our clients choose to remain on @VC Monthly Subscription for the lifetime of their businesses. However, you are always entitled to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your Monthly Subscription at any time after the initial commitment.
Any downgrades or cancellations will take effect thirty (30) days after you notify us of your desire to downgrade or cancel.
What about upgrade/downgrade/cancellation?
We will communicate the need for an upgrade if an increase in scope/volume of projects calls for it.
We've found that business and the law are fluid. Some times of the year are "heavier" than others and the unexpected comes when least expected! We typically "flex" with our clients during those times without needing to upgrade the subscription investment.
However, as our clients scale, the volume and complexity of work tend to increase and become more regular. We monitor that, and will communicate in good faith any subscription changes needed if/when that time comes.
Any downgrades or cancellations will take effect thirty (30) days after you notify us of your desire to downgrade or cancel.
We've found that business and the law are fluid. Some times of the year are "heavier" than others and the unexpected comes when least expected! We typically "flex" with our clients during those times without needing to upgrade the subscription investment.
However, as our clients scale, the volume and complexity of work tend to increase and become more regular. We monitor that, and will communicate in good faith any subscription changes needed if/when that time comes.
Any downgrades or cancellations will take effect thirty (30) days after you notify us of your desire to downgrade or cancel.
How do Flat Rates work?
For flat rate projects, we will send you a fee quote in writing by electronic means, which will specifically describe the parameters of the project. If after beginning work the scope of the project expands beyond what was originally anticipated, we will discuss and agree upon an increase in fees. Our flat rates are based on receiving your input and making revisions right away so flat rate projects must be completed within four (4) weeks of beginning the project, or additional fees will be incurred.
How do Hourly Rates work?
For projects or work product that is billed hourly, the Firm's hourly rates are as follows:
- $795/hour for Transactional Counsel, as needed from time to time on special transactional matters;
- $615/hour for Senior Attorneys, and/or all securities, transactional, and equity-related legal work;
- $495/hour for Associate Attorneys, and/or all other legal work;
- $315/hour for Paralegals and Law Clerks.
Our hourly rates may increase in the future. Any such increase will only occur upon written notice to you. Time is charged in minimum units of tenth-of-an-hour increments (0.1). Time spent on a task will be rounded up to the nearest tenth-of-an-hour. Unless we agree otherwise in writing by electronic means, all work will be billed on an hourly basis.
Will I get a surprise bill?
No. Some circumstances will require additional fees, and we will discuss those with you before you incur any additional fees. In other words, you will not incur additional hourly or flat rate legal fees without your knowledge and consent.
Are filing fees/expenses included in any of your fee structures?
Our fees DO NOT include third-party charges for postage, filing fees, license fees, application fees, or other charges and fees. When we pay those fees on your behalf, you will be billed for them at cost.
What if something falls outside of the Scope of Work?
We provide representation and advice on the specific legal matters you have hired us for, which means that our work together is limited to the Representation. If a project falls outside of the Scope of Work, we will always discuss the parameters of the work and fees with you before moving forward with it.
Additionally, if your business changes substantially, we will discuss the change in Scope of Work and will agree to a revised fee arrangement. Representation on any future matters will be subject to the terms of this Agreement and any other fee arrangements we may mutually agree upon. The question of whether a matter or issue falls within the scope of this Representation will be handled with common sense, mutual agreement, mutual respect, and fairness to both parties.
Additionally, if your business changes substantially, we will discuss the change in Scope of Work and will agree to a revised fee arrangement. Representation on any future matters will be subject to the terms of this Agreement and any other fee arrangements we may mutually agree upon. The question of whether a matter or issue falls within the scope of this Representation will be handled with common sense, mutual agreement, mutual respect, and fairness to both parties.
How are you different from LegalZoom or BizCounsel?
LegalZoom and BizCounsel have done a great job of providing low costs to its customers - they rely heavily on templates that can be found almost anywhere on the internet and also don’t deep dive into YOU and your business as much as @VirtualCounsel does.
With @VirtulCounsel, you will have a dedicated attorney POC that will develop a deep understanding of your business model, goals, way of operating - we’re far more than just providing the filled-in template contracts that you may need. We become true counsel in short order based on the level of involvement we have with you and your business - we balance legal protection with business goals and become strategic advisors more than just lawyers.
With @VirtulCounsel, you will have a dedicated attorney POC that will develop a deep understanding of your business model, goals, way of operating - we’re far more than just providing the filled-in template contracts that you may need. We become true counsel in short order based on the level of involvement we have with you and your business - we balance legal protection with business goals and become strategic advisors more than just lawyers.
How are you different from big law firms?
We are a tight team and like it that way. We have work/life balance ourselves. Names, faces, families, souls. No corporate bullshit. Big law firms employ humans too, but they are kind of like a pyramid scheme that focuses on demanding work hours from lower-level associates who are incentivized to increase billable hours and not incentivized to increase their or their clients’ success and happiness. We developed our model so that we can select powerful businesses to align with as our clients and provide true partnership and counsel - our clients’ success and happiness is directly aligned to our success and happiness.
How do I get started?
Book your free consultation here now!
How do I know which subscription level to choose?
We customize our monthly plans to suit your needs depending on your company's size, needs, stage, etc. Schedule a call and we will find the best subscription level for your business!
How do I communicate with my lawyer?
With your @VC subscription, you will have unlimited access to your attorney POC and the entire team via Slack, Basecamp, and email. Also, depending on your subscription tier, you will have a standing call set up either monthly or bi-weekly with your attorney POC. You may always call us ad hoc on top of our standing calls, but we’ve found that between the unlimited access + standing calls that you’ll be more than covered.
Check out all of the tech we use here!
Check out all of the tech we use here!
Are you ready for a better legal experience?
We use tools designed to make it easy and effective to get in touch whenever you need us.
