How do I schedule a legal consultation?

Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call through the scheduling link on this website. We will discuss your legal matter, business context, and timeline. If there is a fit, I will share a clear scope of work and transparent fee structure before any engagement begins.

Do you offer ongoing legal retainer services?

Yes. I provide monthly retainer arrangements for businesses that require regular legal support — including contract reviews, compliance monitoring, board advisory, and on-call counsel. Retainers are tailored to your volume and complexity of legal needs.

Do you advise early-stage startups and founders?

Yes — startups and founders are a core focus of my practice. I offer fixed-fee packages for incorporation, founder agreements, ESOP structuring, and investor-ready documentation, designed to give you legal certainty without unpredictable costs.

Which industries do you work with?

I advise clients across technology, fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, real estate, professional services, and more. My approach adapts to sector-specific regulations while keeping your commercial objectives at the centre of every recommendation.

Can you review or draft commercial contracts?

Yes. I draft and review NDAs, MSAs, SaaS agreements, vendor contracts, employment agreements, licensing deals, and investment documentation. Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days, with expedited options available for time-sensitive transactions.

Can you conduct a compliance audit for my company?

Yes. I conduct structured compliance reviews covering corporate governance, statutory filings, employment law, and industry-specific regulations. You receive a prioritised action plan with clear remediation steps and timelines.

How do you approach commercial disputes?

I prioritise negotiation and mediation to resolve disputes efficiently and preserve business relationships where possible. Where arbitration or litigation is necessary, I provide strategy, documentation support, and coordination with specialist counsel.

Can you draft employment contracts and HR policies?

Yes. I draft employment agreements, employee handbooks, HR policies, confidentiality agreements, and separation documentation — all aligned with current Indian labour law and best practices for growing teams.

Can you help with DPDP Act and GDPR compliance?

Yes. I provide end-to-end data privacy advisory including gap assessments, privacy policy drafting, data processing agreements, consent frameworks, and internal policy documentation to meet DPDP Act and GDPR requirements.

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Startups

The Essential Startup Legal Checklist for 2025

Adv. Pankhuri JainNovember 15, 20258 min read

Introduction

Building a startup is exhilarating, but legal missteps early on can create costly problems down the road. This checklist covers the essential legal foundations every founder should establish.

1. Incorporate Properly

Choose the right entity structure — private limited company is standard for VC-backed startups in India. Ensure proper incorporation documents, MOA, and AOA are in place.

2. Founder Agreements

Document equity splits, vesting schedules, roles, and exit provisions in a comprehensive founder agreement. This prevents disputes when the company scales.

3. Intellectual Property

Assign all IP created by founders and employees to the company. File trademarks for your brand name and logo early.

4. Employment Documentation

Use proper employment contracts with confidentiality, non-compete (where enforceable), and IP assignment clauses.

5. Data Privacy Compliance

With the DPDP Act now in effect, implement privacy policies, consent mechanisms, and data processing agreements from day one.

6. Investment Readiness

Prepare a data room with all corporate documents, cap table, material contracts, and compliance certificates before approaching investors.

Conclusion

Legal preparation is an investment in your startup's future. Address these foundations early, and you'll move faster when opportunities arise.