Having a good lawyer or law firm that you trust is fairly essential. They will be able to prepare your essential documents and steer you clear of landmines (esp

Having a good lawyer or law firm that you trust is fairly essential. They will be able to prepare your essential documents and steer you clear of landmines (especially the ones you know nothing about). If you are truly a cash strapped startup then a quick way to do this is to find the nearest law school (state or private), head to the library, and ask about the relevant area (IP, incorporation, etc.) and find the professor who teaches the subject. This same principal applies for your financial adviser. Its better to head to your local MBA school and drop in to a professor who can guide you then try to fumble around yourself. In sum, two essentials: lawyer + CFO p.s. what is it that you are building?