Navigating the legal system can be complicated and intimidating, especially for small startup teams with little to no law background. Consulting fees are expensive and the business landscape is ever-changing, making it difficult to access important knowledge needed to be successful in entrepreneurial pursuits. That is where the Start Smart Legal Series comes in!
Join us for a host of various seminars and workshops throughout the semester that cover a wide range of legal topics for startup businesses. A partnership between the University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center, Pitt Law, CMU’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, and K&L Gates, this free opportunity is geared towards all individuals, students and community members alike, who want to learn more about the legal basics of launching and maintaining their entrepreneurial endeavors.
During each event, you will learn from K&L Gates’ startup lawyers and gain valuable insight on how to legally start/run your startup.
Please note: Start Smart Legal Series recordings will NOT be made available to the public due to the sensitive nature of the information shared. Program resources may be provided upon request at the discretion of the presenters.
Benefits:
Eligibility:
Note: All Start Smart sessions will be held from 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. EST via Zoom. Dates, times, and presenters are subject to change.
February 6, 2025
Session 1: Starting a Business with an F-1 Student Visa
Students with a Visa can legally start businesses as well as work on a startup team. Come learn the details of how to do this without violating your student status and immigration options after graduating.
Panelists: TBD
Time: 5-6:15 p.m. (Virtual)
February 20, 2025
Session 2: Building Your Team
You’ve incorporated and just got into an accelerator. You are in discussions with a potential cofounder. Now what? Learn the ins and outs of staffing your startup, including employment law issues involving: adding co-founders; working with advisors; interns v. volunteers; employees v. independent contractors; invention assignments, non-disclosure agreements, non-competes, and the use of equity to attract and retain key personnel.
Presenter: David Lehman, K&L Gates
Time: 5-6:15 p.m. (Virtual)
March 20, 2025
Session 3: How to Structure Your Capital Raise – Part 1: The Fundamentals*
*This Part 1 session is a prerequisite to understanding and participating in Part 2 – Negotiating the Term Sheet Workshop.
Learn about the legal and economic/business issues associated with raising funds from:
• Friends and Family
• Seed Funding (including from University, government and Non-Profit Funding)
• Incubators and Accelerators
• Angel investors v Venture Capitalists
• Series A, B, etc.
Presenter: David Lehman, K&L Gates
Time: 5-6:15 p.m. (Virtual)
April 3, 2025
Session 4: Startups v. Investors: How to Structure your Capital Raise – Part 2: Negotiating the Term Sheet Workshop*
*In order to attend “How to Structure your Capital Raise – Part 2: Negotiating the Term Sheet Workshop”, participants will have needed to attend “Part 1: The Fundamentals of How to Structure Your Capital Raise." Students will receive additional information on how to apply for Part 2 upon completion of Part 1.
Join us for a fun negotiation exercise in which you’ll play the role of startup or investor. We’ll begin the evening with a quick overview of the legal issues associated with investing in startups. We’ll then divide into investor and startup groups, who will meet separately with lawyers to decide on the terms they want. We’ll end the evening with a negotiation led by these lawyers and workshop volunteers who will play the part of founders and investors.
Presenter: David Lehman, K&L Gates
Time: 5-6:15 p.m. (Virtual)
April 17, 2025
Session 5: Worst Mistakes Made by Startups
A panel of lawyers will share the ‘horror stories’ of mistakes that startups have made and the consequences. Learn from the mistakes of others so you can avoid the pitfalls.
Panelists: TBD
Moderator: David Lehman, K&L Gates
Time: 5-6:15 p.m. (Virtual)
