Discover insider secrets to starting up right selecting lawyers, controlling legal expenses, and making your business thrive!
The One Resource That Entrepreneurs Must Own To Avoid Wasting Time And Money On Legal Fees!
Discover insider secrets to starting up right selecting lawyers, controlling legal expenses, and making your business thrive!
The One Resource That Entrepreneurs Must Own To Avoid Wasting Time And Money On Legal Fees!
Dear Fellow Entrepreneur:
It was just one small legal mistake—but it cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars!
My partners and I wanted to save some money getting our startup company off the ground. So, we used a general-purpose lawyer to help us file our incorporation papers, set up shares of stock, and anything else we needed.
He was a good lawyer. He knew divorce, bankruptcy, personal injury. But there was one thing he didn’t have enough experience in—corporate law!
When I went to leave the company, I found that I had 500,000 shares of stock options that I couldn’t exercise! When we had hired our lawyer he set up the wrong class of stock, and the only way I could own the stock of my own company was to spend over $300,000!
Then I found that even if I could come up with the money, there was no way to sell my shares of company stock since it was a private company but I would have to pay tax on this “gain”!
I was holding a half-million shares of essentially worthless paper. This experience taught me a painful, yet valuable, lesson—hiring the right lawyer, at the right moment, can save you time, grief, and potentially a few hundred thousand dollars!
What you don’t know can hurt you!
Let’s be honest—we entrepreneurs are a pretty confident bunch. We have ideas. Big ideas. Maybe even society-changing ideas. Plus, we have the passion, drive, and intellect necessary to turn those ideas into realities. These are the qualities that make entrepreneurs successful.
But they can also be the very qualities that get an entrepreneur into trouble! The truth is that even the smartest, best-prepared entrepreneur can’t keep up with all the laws and regulations that cover almost every aspect of business in the 21st century. And one thing I’ve learned the hard way: even the slightest misstep can lead to the loss of valuable time, money and market position—and maybe even the loss of your company!
It’s important, even necessary, for entrepreneurs to be confident in their abilities. But as good and qualified as you are to deal with many aspects of your startup, you don’t know everything. And what you don’t know might end up costing you—big time!
The problem is that most entrepreneurs don’t even know where the dangers lie as they begin their startup. They may not realize the kinds of questions they should be asking, questions like:
‣How to quit your job to start your company and not find yourself in hot water?
‣What precautions should you take before you quit your old job?
‣How and when should you set up a legal entity and do it the right way?
‣Should you incorporate now or later?
‣How does your startup go about getting funding in a way that’s fair to both you and your investors
‣What kind of legal structure is right for your company?
Who can give you the right advice?
Really, for questions like these and dozens more that you will face, you are going to need an expert’s advice. And not just any lawyer—you will need one who knows how to navigate the tricky waters of having done it before.
I know—lawyers make convenient targets for late-night comedians and sitcom writers. However, when it comes to your startup, you can’t afford to fumble your way through haphazardly, hoping that you aren’t breaking any laws while relying on generic contract templates you found at the local office supply store.
That, my friend, is the perfect way to guarantee that your startup may become a crashing failure!
But I don’t know anything about picking a lawyer!
How do you pick a good lawyer? Most entrepreneurs don’t have a clue. And believe me, it makes a difference which lawyer you pick. The lawyer who may be great at personal injury cases may be completely unqualified to put together contracts for your new employees.
You can’t be expected to know everything you need to know about picking the right lawyer. It’s not a matter of intelligence—it’s about experience and expertise. You may have a great deal of both when it comes to your industry. But most entrepreneurs don’t know much about the law. Your strengths lie elsewhere. So the idea of sitting down and figuring out which lawyer to hire might be a little intimidating.
So how do you pick the right lawyer?
When you are choosing the right lawyer for you, it’s natural to have a lot of questions, like:
♦How do I make a short list of suitable lawyers that are most appropriate for my situation?
♦What kind of questions should I ask when I am interviewing a lawyer?
♦When should I consult with a lawyer?
♦What kinds of issues can a lawyer actually help me with?
♦How can I get legal representation without running up a huge bill?
You could just start calling lawyers, interviewing each one, and hoping that you happen upon one who can meet the needs of your startup. Of course, you may end up spending weeks of time, not to mention a pile of money, without finding the right lawyer.
Or, you could depend on the recommendations of others. I’m sure you have well-meaning friends and colleagues who know someone who knows a good lawyer. But will that lawyer really be the right one for you?
Fortunately for you, there is another option
Imagine how great it would be if you had a trusted advisor, someone who had been a part of numerous startups. Someone who has helped countless entrepreneurs launch companies. Someone who understands the legal pitfalls that can bring down even the brightest entrepreneur.
Now, imagine that same advisor putting his knowledge and experience regarding entrepreneurs and the legal profession into writing—a guide that would tell you everything you need to know in order to use a lawyer’s service without eating up your bank account.
Most entrepreneurs I know would love to have an advisor like that, and a guide like that!
Fortunately for you, I am that advisor! I have written “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers”-- the entrepreneur’s “insider’s guide” to using a lawyer’s services to grow his or her business.
I know how stressful it can be to find a lawyer, or law firm, that can help your startup thrive. That’s why I wrote a book that gives you the tools you need to find and utilize legal help in a way that is right for you. This book contains money-saving tips and ideas that you will refer to over and over again for advice and direction.
But why should you listen to what I have to say? What do I know about starting successful companies? Quite a bit, actually! Let me introduce myself…
A lifetime of entrepreneurial experience!
My name is Naeem Zafar. I’m an experienced Silicon Valley CEO and seasoned entrepreneur. I’m a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley, where I teach entrepreneurship and innovation at the Haas School of Business.
For over 20 years, I’ve been working closely with entrepreneurs and lawyers. I have been involved in every aspect of the life of a startup. I have overseen numerous mergers and acquisitions. I’ve handled patent filings, as well as lawsuits over patent infringement.
I’ve also been involved with venture funding events. I have seen, up close, what it takes to start a business and make it grow. I’ve also seen more than a few startups grow and then sold to the highest bidder.
All these experiences have earned me the title of “The Startup Advisor.” For over two decades, entrepreneurs have been coming to me for advice, hoping to get their startups established on a firm foundation. Part of that foundation is making sure that they comply with the numerous laws and regulations that cover business in our country.

The subtitle says it all: 35 little-known facts, secrets, techniques and tricks to making sure that you get every penny’s worth of value from your lawyer.
What exactly is in this book?
Put simply, this book contains nearly three dozen money-saving, aggravation-reducing tips. All of these tips are written for the entrepreneur who needs to minimize his legal costs, while getting the most effective legal services possible.
These tips aren’t just academic, theoretical ideas, either. I based them on my 20 years in the trenches—and on my extensive interviews with some of the best lawyers in the Silicon Valley. You will find advice and information in this guide that you won’t find in any other single source!
“Specific and actionable steps”
“As an entrepreneur, I'm acutely aware that I can't realize my dream if I can't control costs. I thought that legal advice was an unjustifiable luxury. I've got two lawyers in my family, after all. Naeem Zafar really opened my eyes to the need for an objective voice with industry expertise and connections. I even discovered numerous issues that would have otherwise escaped me. More importantly, this book gives me specific and actionable steps. Now I can implement cost-effective measures to protect and grow my business. That moves me one step closer to achieving my dream.”
-Paul Hamann, President, LaserPoint Solution
What will this book do for me?
This book is a one-stop resource for any entrepreneur who realizes that without legal help, the dream of growing a successful startup will never become a reality. The information will help you avoid some of the most common (and costliest) mistakes that entrepreneurs make every day.
This book is packed with information that will empower you to find a good lawyer, and use that lawyer to your full advantage. Each page provides priceless information that can help you protect your startup.
A good lawyer is a resource that you can (and should) use to make your startup a success. This book shows you how to make that happen!
An expert resource—solid answers to common questions
No two startups are exactly alike. That’s a given. But almost all new companies face similar challenges. Some issues just seem to be common to companies as they begin to grow. A good lawyer can help you recognize these issues, and get past them in a way that makes your company stronger.
Do any of these questions sound familiar?
‣ When should I incorporate? I’ve seen startups incorporate too early—and too late. Honestly, there are only two situations when forming a legal entity becomes essential. I talk about these on page 10.
‣ I am planning to quit my job and start a new company. What can I take with me when I leave? This question comes up all the time. There are specific risks that you must understand before you quit your job. If you don’t have a lawyer to coach you through this, you may set yourself up for big trouble down the road. See page 26.
‣ Should I apply for a patent before I quit my job or start a company? Not so fast. The timing of these decisions will have a profound impact on the ownership of your intellectual property. You may not even need to file a patent. I walk you through some of the complexities of patent law on page 44.
‣ What kind of precautions should I take when my startup begins to hire new employees? Labor laws are complex and confusing. It’s insane to try to sort out contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and everything else labor-related on your own. I give you a detailed breakdown of the ways a lawyer can help you successfully add employees on page 17.
‣ Should I set up an LLC or a C-Corporation? The one you choose can make a huge difference in your company’s future. I explain how to determine which is best for you, and what your lawyer can do, on page 49.
‣ How do I make sure that my dealings with investors and stockholders comply with financial laws and regulations? Investor relations are another area where you don’t want to go it alone. Your lawyer can keep you out of serious trouble with investors and regulators! Find out some ways your lawyer can work for you on page 42.
In the process of working with hundreds of entrepreneurs on their startups, I have heard about and dealt with just about every issue your company will face. In this book, I explain how a lawyer’s services are essential as you overcome some of the most common situations every startup has to face.
I wrote this book to be a resource that you can turn to again and again. As your company progresses, you will find wisdom and insight from my years of experience. You will learn from my successes—and my failures. Most importantly, you will see how valuable a lawyer’s services can be each step of the way.
Mistakes cost you money!
I understand that many people, especially entrepreneurs, would rather not deal with lawyers. They can be expensive, they speak in funny legal jargon, and they sometimes tell us things we don’t want to hear. A lot of entrepreneurs think it’s easier to just go along, figuring things out as they go. After all, you can always fix your mistakes later on, right?
Some mistakes you can fix—some you can’t. But here’s the truth: every mistake you make is money out of your pocket. A visit or other service from a lawyer may cost you a few hundred dollars. But if it saves you thousands, or hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of your company, isn’t it worth it?
Plus, my book gives you specific strategies that will help you save money on legal fees!
“Direct, no-nonsense advice”
"This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I don’t have the time to research lawyers...Naeem has summarized what would have been 3 different books plus additional insights. He provides direct, no-nonsense advice that comes from his deep experience. A thoroughly useful read."
-Bogdan Cirilic, founder and CEO, Finest Experts, Campbell, California
Mistakes also cost you precious time!
These situations cost you—and not just money. They cost you time. Time that you could spend growing your business. Time that you could use to develop relationships in your industry. Time that might mean a delay in getting your product out to market. Time that could leave your startup standing still while a competitor grabs a foothold—and takes over—in a market that you should dominate.
The time you spend fixing mistakes is time wasted. A good lawyer can guide you, so you get things right the first time. How much is that worth to you?
The old saying is very true—time is money. “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers” shows you how to save time AND money by using a lawyer’s services in the most effective way possible!
What if I don’t recognize my startup in any of those situations?
I just listed some of the most common issues that almost every startup faces. But there’s a chance (a small one) that you don’t see your company facing any of those issues, at least not anytime soon. Maybe your startup is already somewhat established, or maybe you don’t see launching your startup for a number of months.
But you are not safe. I outline several money saving tips that very few entrepreneurs know about. How to avoid running up a long legal bill?
“Should be SOP(Standard Operating Procedure) for all entrepreneur’s”
A $220,000 loss and two years of migraines is what I could have prevented if I had read this guide costing a small fraction of my loss.
When I started my business five years ago, I thought lawyers were only used to get you out of trouble, what I didn’t know...Purchasing businesses in three different states was easy, in fact, I thought I was minimizing risk by doing so and the banks gave a glowing thumbs up. I thought- who needs a lawyer?
Reading the guide before making those investments, would have educated me in who, what, when, where and why of how a lawyer could have helped to minimize the exposure to risk in my business.
Reading the guide should be SOP for all entrepreneur’s who invest time and money in their endeavors.
-Paul Clem, Big Fish LLC, Alameda CA
“The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers” can still help you, even if you don’t think you will face any of the situations I list. Why? Because no matter how much you may try to avoid it, you will be dealing with lawyers at some point. And unless you know something about the legal profession, I can guarantee you one thing:
You will waste money in legal fees!
How do I know you will end up wasting money? Because I’ve done it, and I’ve seen other people do it. There are probably a thousand ways to waste money on legal fees, and I think I’ve seen them all—
♦You hire the wrong lawyer in the first place, and then have to hire another one to fix the mess that results. Lawyers are not “one size fits all.” What kind of lawyer fits your startup? I tell you how to figure it out on page 20.
♦You set up the wrong corporate structure. The legal entity that is easiest to set up may not be the best one for your startup. Choosing the wrong entity can mean paying extra taxes. It may even open you up for personal liability lawsuits. Find out how to choose the right corporate structure for you on page 49.
♦You don’t let your lawyer handle sensitive negotiations, and he or she needs to renegotiate after lots of mistakes have already happened. On page 40, I tell you exactly which types of negotiations you should have your lawyer involved in from the very beginning.
♦You demand pointless revisions of contracts and documents that your lawyer is preparing. At some point, revisions don’t do you any good, and may actually get you into trouble! I tell you when to accept a document as “good enough” on page 35.
♦You get together with a couple of your buddies to develop a new product or service. You neglect to spell out how your partnership works, and when one of your “friends” leaves the company, he sues for a huge chunk of your profits. I explain how you and your lawyer can keep that from happening on page 27.
♦You fail to follow my 5 foolproof tips for keeping your legal costs down. Many entrepreneurs are not abiding by at least one of these tips, and it is costing them every month! I reveal what these five tips are on page 39.
In “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers” I give you the benefit of my experience. I tell you how you can avoid making the mistakes I’ve seen countless others suffer from.
Avoiding any one of these mistakes will save money for your startup—much more than you will spend on the book itself. It really will pay for itself many times over!
“A great footprint for any startup to follow”
"The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers" is very well thought-out and a great footprint for any startup to follow. Naeem Zafar helps the reader understand the basic value of why, what and how to deal with lawyers. An easy read, packed with valuable information for the novice entrepreneur to ensure their start-ups success.”
-Judy A Barron, owner, JBarron Consulting, LLC
Discover the inner workings of law firms—and save money!
Maybe you don’t see any need for this guide because you already have a lawyer that you’re happy with. Your lawyer handles all the things I’ve already talked about, and you have complete confidence in him or her.
If that describes your company, congratulations! You are already ahead of the game. But “The Definitive Guide” can still be a valuable resource for you. I’ve written the guide to give you insider knowledge about how the legal profession works.
What you don’t know about lawyers and law firms may be costing you money!
I want you to understand how lawyers charge for their services. I want you to know how law firms are organized. This knowledge will help you get the most effective, cost-efficient legal help possible.
The truth is, you don’t have to overpay to get the best legal representation. In “The Definitive Guide” I show you how to get the most bang for your legal buck. You will learn things like:
‣Finding the right lawyer and law firm for you. Most law firms look the same! They all talk about the same services. It’s hard for an entrepreneur to pick the right one. Starting on page 29, I give you guidelines that will make that decision easier.
‣Asking the right questions when you meet a lawyer for the first time. Knowing the right questions not only makes you sound smarter, it can get the lawyer/client relationship off to a good start. I tell you what questions to ask on page 21.
‣How to reduce your billing. Did you know that it is perfectly acceptable to ask your lawyer about the charges on your bill? You have the right to know what you are being charged for, and why. I used to be afraid to ask those kinds of questions, but now I know how to challenge certain charges, without causing tension between myself and my lawyer. I share that knowledge with you on page 21.
‣What a lawyer can do for you. Many companies fail to utilize their lawyers’ knowledge and abilities. A good lawyer is a valuable resource for advice based on his or her experience in your industry. I tell you how to take full advantage of your lawyer’s expertise, starting on page 10.
‣What a lawyer can’t (or shouldn’t) do for you. Many people make the mistake of having a lawyer do things for them that could easily be done by others, often at substantially lower costs. I devote a whole chapter of my book to the things you may not want your lawyer to do for you, starting on page 14.
‣How to use a law firm’s structure to your advantage. Law firms are not organized like ordinary corporations. When you understand the way law firms work, you can use that information to help you get what you need without overspending. I break down the basic structure of law firms starting on page 29.
‣How to take advantage of the free services most law firms offer. I know it sounds crazy—a lawyer giving away services? But most lawyers will perform some very powerful services at no charge. I give you the details on page 16.
‣How to use your law firm’s connections to grow your business. Often, the law firm you are using will know some of the “heavy hitters” in your industry. I explain how to take advantage of this, without exploiting your lawyer or his other clients, on page 15.
“A must-read, whether you are embarking on your first or fifteenth startup venture”
“The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers offers a straight-talk, no-nonsense approach for entrepreneurs. Naeem Zafar’s writing style makes you feel like you’re having a fireside chat with an experienced uncle who’s giving you the straight scoop. The wisdom offered in this book keeps your startup out of harm’s way while optimizing your chances to soar. Naeem walks you through how and why lawyers add value to your startup, showing you how to get maximum value at minimum cost. Delicious morsels of tried-and-true advice and wisdom pop from each page. This book is a must-read, whether you are embarking on your first or your fifteenth startup venture.”
- Martin Hart, CEO Mirror Semiconductor
How much does this book cost?
OK. I’ve told you all about the book. If you apply the ideas and principles in this guide, you will save money. You will, of course, save on lawyer’s fees. But you will also save because you have a better grasp on what the various corporate structures mean to your business. And, you will save because the guide can help you will steer clear of many of the pitfalls that derail startups.
Before I give you the price for the guide, I want to review a couple of things. I think when you see just how much you are getting in this guide; you’ll agree that it is a great deal. (In fact, I’ve had people tell me that I should be charging more—much more—for it!)
First, look at everything I’ve put into this guide. It’s all based on my experience, and the expertise of some top-notch Silicon Valley attorneys. The guide includes:
♦A step-by-step guide to finding and hiring the right lawyer for your company.
♦An easy-to-understand chart explaining the differences between corporate structures. (This chart alone can save you thousands in tax obligations every year!)
♦Proven strategies for communicating with lawyers that will cut your bill every month. (These aren’t strategies I dreamed up—they come direct from top attorneys!)
♦A reliable resource, pointing out some of the most common issues that cause legal problems for entrepreneurs, and effective methods of overcoming them.
♦Altogether, I have included 35 tested, proven methods packed into 60 pages. I only put ideas and tips in this book if I knew for a fact that they would save you money!
How much does all this money-saving, aggravation-saving information cost? Just $49! That’s right—less than fifty dollars for advice that will save you hundreds, even thousands, on your legal bills!
Plus, I’m giving away two bonus reports along with the guide:
♦“10 Questions You Must Ask Your Lawyer.” Based on my extensive interviews with top attorneys, I boil down the most essential questions that you should ask a lawyer before you hire them. (Even if you’ve already hired a lawyer, these are questions you should be asking to ensure you aren’t overpaying for services!)
♦“An Entrepreneur’s Guide on how to use LinkedIn and Twitter.”
How much does all this money-saving, aggravation-saving information cost? Just $49! That’s right—less than fifty dollars for advice that will save you hundreds, even thousands, on your legal bills!
Far less than an hour of a lawyer’s time
I know as well as anyone that at the beginning of a startup, money is tight. You may be pinching pennies, trying to get funding before your savings run out. OR maybe you have a product that is ready to go to market, and you are waiting to start some positive cash flow. Whatever your situation might be, you might be reluctant to spend $49 on this book.
I understand that feeling. I’ve been there several times myself! But look at it this way: you will need a lawyer’s services. Probably sooner than later. A good lawyer is going to cost you anywhere from $200 to $500 per hour, or more.
That means this book, which will save you money every time you deal with an attorney, cost about the same as 5 to 15 minutes with a lawyer! Yet the value of this book is so much greater than the cost.
“Practical advice to maximize the value of lawyers’ services”
“A great book with practical advice to maximize the value of lawyers' services. Naeem's overview of factors influencing the choice of legal structure as well as the discussion of law firms and legal professionals provide valuable insights to effectively manage a company's legal matters.”
-Jemma Israyelyan, Entrepreneur
“The Definitive Guide” will literally pay for itself many times over during the life of your entrepreneurial career. You will return to the guide repeatedly, finding wisdom and insight that will save you money. It’s the kind of resource that you will find indispensable for years to come!
“Will pay back in multiples that would make a VC salivate”
“The biggest challenge for entrepreneurs is that they have to suddenly deal with problems in many areas in which they have little or no knowledge. Given that most entrepreneurs hail from a technical background, legal looms as one of those 'dark areas' that they will try to ignore. “The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers” is a must-read book for entrepreneurs who lack experience dealing with lawyers. It's a quick read that will pay back in multiples that would make a VC salivate...”
-Michel Courtoy, CEO, Certess Inc. Silicon Valley CA
I guarantee your satisfaction!
In fact, I am willing to put my money where my book is! I will make this iron-clad, no wiggle-room guarantee: if you read my book, and you are not completely convinced that you got your money’s worth, I will refund 100% of the purchase price, if returned within 90-days!
There are no conditions, no qualifiers. If you don’t find that this book is filled with tips and advice that save you money in dozens of ways, I will send you a complete refund.
In fact, I’ll go even further: if you don’t find this book helpful, I don’t want your money! You see, there are some things in life that are more important to me than money. One of them is my integrity. For over two decades, I have built a reputation as a person who entrepreneurs can trust to help them make their dreams into reality.
If I can’t provide that service to you through “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers,” then I don’t want to keep your money!
“A treasure-trove of suggestions”
As an entrepreneur, I've had to learn many of the lessons of dealing with lawyers the hard way -- often wasting hundreds of dollars worth of legal fees in the process. Save yourself the cost and hassle, and read this book instead! Naeem's book gives the reader a treasure-trove of suggestions, clearly the result of many years worth of experience, and Naeem's clear and concise presentation makes it a pleasant and quick read. There's a certain amount of unwarranted mythology surrounding the issue of dealing with lawyers, and this book helps clarify all the relevant issues very effectively, with concrete suggestions to maximize the efficiency of your dealings with your lawyer, while minimizing the costs. I strongly recommend this book for anyone starting out as an entrepreneur.
-Jahanzeb Sherwani Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University, Founder & CEO iTeleport
Don’t delay any longer!
Buy this book today! It’s packed with information. It will save you money every time you use it. And I have priced it so it is affordable to any entrepreneur who is serious about getting the best value for every legal dollar.
Let’s face it—in order for your business to grow, you will need a lawyer’s help. And without my guide, you will waste money in legal fees. Don’t keep throwing money away! Buy “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers” today!
To your success,

Naeem Zafar
Faculty, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
Silicon Valley, California
P.S.—It really is up to you. Without “The Definitive Guide” you will be wasting money on legal bills, and you will be wasting time attempting to figure out the best way to use a lawyer’s services. Frankly, I don’t know any successful entrepreneurs that have money OR time to waste!
Invest in your startup’s success. Buy “The Definitive Entrepreneur's Guide to Lawyers” today!

This eBook is what it's title says it is. I am confident that you will be completely satisfied. My reputation is very important to me and my business so I make sure that the information that I provide is time tested.

©Copyright 2009. Startup-Advisor.com. All rights reserved.
Naeem Zafar
Experienced
Silicon Valley CEO
Seasoned Entrepreneur
Faculty Member at
UC Berkeley
Naeem Zafar has extensive experience in advising entrepreneurs on starting new ventures
Naeem is a faculty member
at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches entrepreneurship and innovation at the Haas School of Business.
Naeem has worked in Silicon Valley for many startups, serving as the president and CEO of three of them. He served as a member of the Board of Directors or as a Board advisor for several startups and small companies.
Naeem was an early employee at Quickturn, which had an IPO and grew to 400 employees and over $125 million in annual revenue.
Naeem designed complex semiconductor chips and specialized computers.
He has launched products in several countries.
He has set up channels to sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of products all over the world.
He raised over $70 million from venture capitalists, angel investors and public markets, and venture debt from banks.
He led or played critical roles in over a dozen mergers and acquisitions.
Naeem advises founders and CEOs in multiple countries, giving them information and feedback that helps them start and scale their businesses.
Naeem advises governmental organizations regarding how to create an ecosystem of innovation.
Naeem launched mentorship networks across continents.
Naeem has an undergraduate degree from Brown University. He has a graduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He has also studied at Stanford and CalTech.

“Will pay back in multiples that would make a VC salivate”
“The biggest challenge for entrepreneurs is that they have to suddenly deal with problems in many areas in which they have little or no knowledge. Given that most entrepreneurs hail from a technical background, legal looms as one of those 'dark areas' that they will try to ignore. “The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers” is a must-read book for entrepreneurs who lack experience dealing with lawyers. It's a quick read that will pay back in multiples that would make a VC salivate...”
-Michel Courtoy, CEO, Certess Inc. Silicon Valley CA

“A treasure-trove of suggestions”
As an entrepreneur, I've had to learn many of the lessons of dealing with lawyers the hard way -- often wasting hundreds of dollars worth of legal fees in the process. Save yourself the cost and hassle, and read this book instead! Naeem's book gives the reader a treasure-trove of suggestions, clearly the result of many years worth of experience, and Naeem's clear and concise presentation makes it a pleasant and quick read. There's a certain amount of unwarranted mythology surrounding the issue of dealing with lawyers, and this book helps clarify all the relevant issues very effectively, with concrete suggestions to maximize the efficiency of your dealings with your lawyer, while minimizing the costs. I strongly recommend this book for anyone starting out as an entrepreneur.
-Jahanzeb Sherwani Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University, Founder & CEO iTeleport

“Practical advice to maximize the value of lawyers’ services”
“A great book with practical advice to maximize the value of lawyers' services. Naeem's overview of factors influencing the choice of legal structure as well as the discussion of law firms and legal professionals provide valuable insights to effectively manage a company's legal matters.”
-Jemma Israyelyan, Entrepreneur

“Specific and actionable steps”
“As an entrepreneur, I'm acutely aware that I can't realize my dream if I can't control costs. I thought that legal advice was an unjustifiable luxury. I've got two lawyers in my family, after all. Naeem Zafar really opened my eyes to the need for an objective voice with industry expertise and connections. I even discovered numerous issues that would have otherwise escaped me. More importantly, this book gives me specific and actionable steps. Now I can implement cost-effective measures to protect and grow my business. That moves me one step closer to achieving my dream.”
-Paul Hamann, President, LaserPoint Solution

“A must-read, whether you are embarking on your first or fifteenth startup venture”
“The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers offers a straight-talk, no-nonsense approach for entrepreneurs. Naeem Zafar’s writing style makes you feel like you’re having a fireside chat with an experienced uncle who’s giving you the straight scoop. The wisdom offered in this book keeps your startup out of harm’s way while optimizing your chances to soar. Naeem walks you through how and why lawyers add value to your startup, showing you how to get maximum value at minimum cost. Delicious morsels of tried-and-true advice and wisdom pop from each page. This book is a must-read, whether you are embarking on your first or your fifteenth startup venture.”
- Martin Hart, CEO Mirror Semiconductor

“A great footprint for any startup to follow”
"The Definitive Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lawyers" is very well thought-out and a great footprint for any startup to follow. Naeem Zafar helps the reader understand the basic value of why, what and how to deal with lawyers. An easy read, packed with valuable information for the novice entrepreneur to ensure their start-ups success.”
-Judy A Barron, owner, JBarron Consulting, LLC

“Direct, no-nonsense advice”
This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I don’t have the time to research lawyers...Naeem has summarized what would have been 3 different books plus additional insights. He provides direct, no-nonsense advice that comes from his deep experience. A thoroughly useful read.”
- Bodgan Cirilic, founder and CEO, Finest Experts, Campbell, California

“Should be SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for all entrepreneur’s”
A $220,000.00 loss and two years of migraines is what I could have prevented if I had read this $49 guide.
When I started my real estate business five years ago, I thought lawyers were only used to get you out of trouble, what I didn’t know...
Reading the guide before making those investments, would have educated me in the who, what, when, where, and why of how a lawyer could have helped to minimize the exposure to risk in my business.
Reading the guide should be SOP for all entrepreneur's who invest time and money in their endeavors.
-Paul Clem, Big Fish LLC, Alameda CA