Is it even worth hiring a lawyer if you’re only investing $5,000 or $10,000 in a startup?

That’s a question a lot of smart people ask. And here’s my answer:

Yes—if the lawyer offers a clearly scoped, fairly priced review that matches the risk of your investment.

That’s why I created the $200 flat-fee SAFE Snapshot. It’s a professional legal check for early-stage investors who want real legal advice—without turning a $10,000 investment into a $1,400 legal bill.

What You Actually Get

For $200, I review a standard-form SAFE (usually a Y Combinator template), take a brief look at publicly available company information, and provide written feedback. That feedback covers the key terms, any unusual clauses, and whether the deal looks typical, risky, or worth further scrutiny.

There’s no phone call. No redline. No negotiation coaching. It’s a narrowly scoped review—precisely defined in a limited engagement agreement—designed to give you just enough insight to make an informed decision.

That’s the whole point: you pay for legal work that fits the size and risk of the investment. Nothing more, nothing less.

Why This Exists

I’ve taught this material to law students for over a decade. I’ve practiced at top-tier firms and advised founders and investors on venture finance from both sides. So when I say I can review a SAFE efficiently, it’s because I’ve done it hundreds of times.

This offering isn’t “discount lawyering.” It’s serious work, efficiently delivered. Because when the document is familiar and the scope is clear, you shouldn’t have to spend four figures just to know what you’re signing.

You also shouldn’t have to “go it alone” or hope for the best. This flat-fee review gives you real legal insight—delivered by someone who knows the landscape and teaches it for a living.

What This Is—and What It Isn’t

The SAFE Snapshot is a fast, focused check of a single agreement. It’s ideal for investors writing smaller checks—those who are often priced out of traditional counsel but still want legal clarity before wiring funds.

It’s not due diligence. It doesn’t include negotiation support or strategic coaching. And it’s not designed for complex or custom paperwork.

In other words, it’s not “cheap” legal work—it’s appropriately scoped legal work.

The Bottom Line

When you make a small early-stage investment, you’re taking a risk. That’s the nature of the space. But the risk you take should be on the company—not on whether you understood the agreement.

For $200, you get a lawyer’s read on what you’re signing. That read comes from someone who teaches this material, works in the field, and takes your investment seriously.

Sometimes the review confirms the deal is solid. Other times, it flags issues that might make you think twice. Either way, it’s money well spent.

Want to request a SAFE Snapshot or ask about flat-fee services?
Click here to schedule a consultation.