Sydneysiders who could recommend a lawyer?

[neemtree]

Hello there fellow Sydneysiders!

I'm about to bring two subcontractors onboard a self-funded web project. I was thinking of stitching together a contract (based on online resources), but am now wondering how much it would cost to get legal assistance in drafting one?

Any good experiences? Bad? Personal recommendations?

Much appreciated

[BusinessAdviser]

Hire an attorney. DON'T try to draft one yourself.

[neemtree]

Thanks for the advice Jonathan. Hopefully I'll get some good (and not too expensive) recommendations here.

[akula]

yah...ok, well..you probably shouldn't have use contracts in the first place because a) you're not incorporated (?) b) you're not planning on going to court and c) you can't afford legal counsel

if i were you, i'd just use LOIs...but if you must insist on some sort of a contract, i can tell you how to draft one. so u still think u need a contract?

[neemtree]

Thanks for the letter of intent idea, I didn't know/realise this was an option. I'm looking into it now.

I would definitely appreciate anything you have to share regarding drafting contracts, mostly because (a) I don't plan on going to court, but want something in the contingency that I'm taken to court and (b) how much would the legal counsel for the draft be? Or are you referring to later down the road?

I figured this would also be a good way to find a lawyer for post-launch requirements (when we start doing business we're definitely going to need software licensing advice, investors, etc.)

[akula]

Thanks for the letter of intent idea, I didn't know/realise this was an option. I'm looking into it now.

I would definitely appreciate anything you have to share regarding drafting contracts, mostly because (a) I don't plan on going to court, but want something in the contingency that I'm taken to court and (b) how much would the legal counsel for the draft be? Or are you referring to later down the road?

Well..that's the thing. You're a young company. There is every reason that you're gonna bugger things up and break your contractual obligations. For these reasons, you should avoid contracts (caus you might be shooting your self in the foot if you sign one). Important point: if you end up drafting some contracts/LOIs, you'll need to put in a mandatory alternative dispute resolution clause, which is gonna prohibit the other party from filing for litigation unless steps have been taken to either mediate or arbitrate the matter.

Erh...legal advice...you'd normally buy it as part of an "incorporation package" from a business/media lawyer in the directory. Look, if you're smart, you'll identify the kinds of companies/entrepreneurs that you wanna be associated with, and you'll use the same lawyers and accountants as they do (not because they're necessarily better, but 'caus of networking).

Normally, you're looking at $2-3k for a business startup package which includes some contract drafts.

[selvamraja]

I think AKULA is right. Being a lawyer myself I would advise you to draft a simple contract yourself or I can guide you in doing so. Get back to me at selvamraja@gmail dot com with the details as to what exactly you want in the contract.