Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Practice focus: Tech startups, VC, M&A, IP
Premier Silicon Valley/SF startup law firm. 60+ years of expertise. Most VC-backed CA startups use WSGR.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Starting an SF startup? Get the structure right the first time.
Top 10 Business Formation & LLC Lawyers in San Francisco
SF is the world capital of startup formation. Whether you're bootstrapping or building toward Series A, the right SF startup lawyer handles entity selection, founder agreements, IP assignment, and VC documents that quietly determine future ownership and control.
These 10 SF firms specialize in startup formation, founder agreements, early-stage fundraising, and VC-backed company counsel.
How we picked these 10: We reviewed published verdicts and settlements, peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, Avvo), client review patterns, and bar association recognition. Firms that appeared consistently across independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Cooley LLP
Practice focus: Tech startups, VC, life sciences
Major SF tech firm. Premier startup formation and VC practice.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Gunderson Dettmer
Practice focus: Emerging companies, VC, M&A
VC-focused law firm headquartered in Bay Area. Many Series Seed/A startups.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Springmeyer Law (CalStartupLawFirm)
Practice focus: Entity formation, IP, VC transactions
SF startup boutique focused on founder-friendly counsel.
- Fee structure
- Flat + hourly
- Free consultation
- Free initial
Grellas Shah, LLPProfile on file
Practice focus: Startup formation, business litigation
Recognized as one of the best high tech startup lawyers in Silicon Valley.
- Fee structure
- Flat + hourly
- Free consultation
- Free initial
SPZ Legal
Practice focus: Startups, outside general counsel
Works with bootstrapped to venture-backed startups across industries.
- Fee structure
- Flat + monthly retainer
- Free consultation
- Free initial
Spiller Law
Practice focus: Startup, small business, IP, contracts
20+ years supporting Bay Area entrepreneurs. Strong individual + small-business counsel.
- Fee structure
- Flat + hourly
- Free consultation
- Free initial
Inventus Law Firm
Practice focus: Startup formation, VC financings, M&A
SF-headquartered startup-counsel firm. Represents companies from inception through M&A.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Sutter Law
Practice focus: Corporate formation, founder matters, VC financing
Bay Area startup boutique with strong founder-friendly approach.
- Fee structure
- Flat + hourly
- Free consultation
- Free initial
DLA Piper — SF Tech
Practice focus: Emerging companies, VC, M&A
Major global firm with strong SF tech-startup practice.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Not sure which firm is right for you?
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Request Free Consultation →What to expect from an SF business formation engagement
Most CA LLC formations take 1-2 weeks. Delaware C-Corp formation for VC-backed startups takes 2-3 weeks. Series Seed/SAFE packages take 4-8 weeks.
What does a business formation lawyer in SF cost?
Basic CA LLC: $1,500-$3,500 plus state fees ($70 + $800 franchise tax). Delaware C-Corp: $2,500-$6,000. Series Seed/SAFE: $5,000-$15,000.
Red flags to watch for when picking a business formation lawyer in San Francisco
The legal directory you find on Google has thousands of San Francisco business formation firms. Most are competent. A few are problematic. The patterns to avoid:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery, dismissal, or visa approval, walk away.
The disappearing partner. You meet a senior partner at intake, then never speak to them again. The case is handled by an unsupervised junior or a paralegal. Ask in writing who will be your day-to-day attorney.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always a sign of a volume mill, not a craftsperson's practice.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, or bar association recognition. "We've helped thousands of clients" is marketing copy. Specific numbers, named cases, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. "Don't worry about cost" is a red flag. Every legitimate San Francisco lawyer will give you a written engagement letter with the fee structure, what's covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire them.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most San Francisco firms on this list offer a free initial consultation. Use it. Bring a list of questions and write down the answers. Compare across at least two firms before you sign.
- Who, specifically, will handle my case day-to-day? Get a name. Get an email.
- How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
- What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the answer in writing before you sign.
- What case expenses am I responsible for, and when? Out-of-pocket costs surprise people. Ask now.
- What is the realistic range of outcomes for a case like mine? A good lawyer will give you a range. A bad one will promise the high end.
- How long will it take? Honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
- Who else might be involved? Experts? Co-counsel? Larger cases routinely involve outside experts. Know who's on the team.
- How and how often will I hear from you? Email-only? Calls? Monthly updates? Set the expectation now.
- What happens if I want to change lawyers later? Rules allow it; the fee is sorted between firms. Make sure you understand the mechanics.
- What's the worst-case outcome for my case? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What's specific about a business formation case in San Francisco
San Francisco is its own market. The procedure, the courts, and the strategy are city- and state-specific in ways that matter to your outcome.
Local courthouses matter. the San Francisco Superior Court at Civic Center and the Northern District of California have judges, calendars, and procedures that shape how cases move. A firm that knows the local courthouse has an advantage.
Filing deadlines are strict. Notice of Claim windows for cases against the City or County, Statute of Limitations periods, and pre-suit certification requirements vary by case type and are unforgiving. A missed deadline often means a lost case — full stop.
Local procedure rules matter. Each court has its own forms, motion practice, and judge preferences. The right San Francisco firm will know not just the law, but the unwritten rules of the courthouse you'll be in.
Local plaintiffs/defendants do well in front of local juries. Verdict patterns vary by venue, and a trial-capable firm uses venue strategically.
Frequently asked questions
Should I form an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp?
LLC for service businesses. C-Corp (Delaware) for VC-backed startups.
Should I form in California or Delaware?
Delaware if you'll raise venture capital. California for most other businesses.
What is the California $800 franchise tax?
Almost every CA LLC, LP, and corporation owes $800/year to the FTB.
Do I need an operating agreement?
Yes — California requires it for every LLC.
When should I bring in a lawyer for fundraising?
Before you sign anything — especially term sheets.
Related reading
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many cases like mine have you taken to verdict in the last three years? The answer tells you everything. — The LawFirmSquare team