I don't really buy that. The OP works at a startup already, I'm confident they could ask around and get a recommendation for a lawyer with experience in early s

I don't really buy that. The OP works at a startup already, I'm confident they could ask around and get a recommendation for a lawyer with experience in early stage startups. I'm sure if the OP posted "Ask HN: I'm having trouble with my co-founder and I need a NY lawyer recommendation" there would be some helpful replies. There's a misconception that meeting with a layer means you 1) have to hire them and 2) that you're going to file a lawsuit. Neither is true. Most good lawyers offer a free consultation and you're just seeking advice, not a litigator.