Yes, I have done startups in Silicon Valley for nearly three decades. You have hit upon the core principle of using legal resources wisely, as needed, and with

Yes, I have done startups in Silicon Valley for nearly three decades. You have hit upon the core principle of using legal resources wisely, as needed, and with a practical focus. The flip side is that your lawyer needs to have a similar practical focus, which in practice typically translates into working with an experienced partner whose philosophy is consistent with your own (as you state in your piece). I don't think I would add anything to your main theme (related themes would include try to get estimates for specific projects, or negotiate fixed fees for discrete projects for which this makes sense; monitor how projects are staffed so as not to incur significant double-billing; don't let green lawyers get themselves educated at your company's expense, etc. - but these are all really just a part of what works itself out routinely and easily if you once have a solid working relationship with a trusted partner and are thus subsumed under your broad theme, which you nicely articulated).