CSU Student Legal Services contributes to the vibrant entrepreneurial culture at CSU by providing individualized, confidential advisements to students on many business issues. Students benefit from detailed explanations and instructions directly applicable to their situations. Our attorneys are happy to meet with students at the idea stage, launch phase, or at any point in the business. The attorneys advise students on how to help themselves, providing general guidance in drafting documents, and educating on the many legal issues an entrepreneur must understand. SLS attorneys will recommend specialists, such as patent attorneys, when needed. Common issues addressed include:

• Deciding type of business entity to form
• Steps to forming a limited liability entity
• Requirements for business banking
• Limited advice on tax considerations
• Anticipating and managing risks (e.g., by forming a limited liability entity, buying insurance, and designing careful practices)
• Identifying and referring to relevant regulatory agencies for compliance
• Hiring employees v. contractors
• Considerations when creating customer contracts
• Limited advice and referral regarding intellectual property issues (e.g. patent, copyright, trademark)
• General advice on considerations for starting a new business