Legal strategy isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things.
A limited legal budget doesn’t have to mean limited protection, it just needs the right strategy. Many founders mistakenly think a small budget can cover every risk and deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end legal review. In reality, effective legal support is about scope, prioritization, and timing. When budgets are tight, the most successful founders work with attorneys who: • Focus on the highest-risk issues first • Use limited-scope reviews and guidance strategical
Most Companies Adopt AI… and Forget the Legal Strategy
I was recently featured in Tangerine Search’s newsletter on AI, hiring, and data responsibility. A few risks I see repeatedly: · Sensitive hiring use cases not in compliance with emerging state regulations · Handling candidate data without proper policies or training · Misaligned contracts that expose confidential info or create liability The fix? Involve legal early, not as a blocker, but as a strategic partner. Align policies, contracts, and training t
🚀 Legal Guidance That Actually Helps You Grow
Most lawyers handle paperwork. I help founders grow. Clients call me a strategic partner, not just their attorney: “She built hiring agreements that let us confidently grow our team, stopped us from walking into risky deals, and made sure we walked away standing tall.” “She made everything clear, flagged risks we didn’t even know to ask about, and communicated in language a non-lawyer can understand.” 💡 The right legal guidance isn’t just paperwork, it anticipates ri
🎤 Behind the Scenes: Turning Legal Complexity into Opportunity
One of my most memorable tech transactions involved a later-stage startup licensing software that included third-party open-source components as part of a multi-party government contract, a potential minefield of IP, compliance, and downstream commercialization risk. Here’s how we navigated it: 1️⃣ Mapped each component to confirm commercial-use viability 2️⃣ Structured licensing terms that aligned with the business model 3️⃣ Drafted safeguards protecting the company’s IP
🤝 Contracts That Protect and Scale Your Business
🚨 Is your business protected or being blocked by your contracts? Founders and executives, too many businesses treat contracts as paperwork. That’s how growth gets blocked later. Here’s the framework I use with clients to turn contracts into strategic tools: 1️⃣ Define the Purpose – What must this agreement accomplish? Services, SaaS, licensing, partnerships? Clear scope, roles, and duration prevent friction. 2️⃣ Identify Legal & Business Risks – Liabilities, regulatory expos
🚀 M&A Done Right: What Actually Makes Deals Work
Mergers and acquisitions can accelerate growth or quietly destroy value if handled poorly. Here’s what the strongest deals get right (on both the buy-side and sell-side): 1️⃣ Define the “Why” Growth, tech, talent, market expansion, every decision should map back to this. 2️⃣ Pressure-Test the Fit Early Financials matter, but so do culture, operations, and competitive positioning. 3️⃣ Do Real Diligence Contracts, IP, data, liabilities, and regulatory exposure. Surprises
Contracts Are a Chess Game: Why Thinking Three Moves Ahead Matters
🚨 If your contracts don’t account for future growth, they are time bombs waiting to explode. I’ve seen startups not get expert input and sign agreements that felt “fine” to them at the time, only to create major obstacles 12 months later. The most common issues I see: • Intellectual property clauses that unintentionally give away rights to future innovations • Pricing structures that don’t scale with the business model • Compliance gaps that ignore how tech and data
Contracts Aren’t Just Paperwork—they’re Growth Tools
🚨 “Just grab a contract from the internet.” I hear this from founders all the time . And it terrifies me. Why? Because contracts aren’t just paperwork, they’re the foundation for deals, partnerships, and growth. A generic or self-drafted agreement might look complete, but it can: ❌ Slow down deals ❌ Create confusion and disputes ❌ Expose your business to unnecessary risk I help founders turn contracts from a source of stress into a strategic growth tool by: 🔹 Wri
Ms. Salehpour Shares Legal Insights with Founder Institute Caribbean
We are honored to anounce that Ms. Salehpour recently shared shared insights on building a solid legal foundation for startups with the Founder Institute Caribbean. From incorporation to contracts and IP protection, our goal is to help founders turn legal strategy into growth, confidence, and real business impact. Building legal foundations right from day one prevents risk and enables scaling with clarity. When legal strategy is done right, it doesn’t just protect your bu
From Legal Fear to $2M Opportunity
Let me tell you about the founder who almost walked away from a $2M deal. Why? The contract’s warranty, liability, and indemnification clauses terrified them. They couldn’t tell if they were standard or risky. I guided them by: 1. Translating the legalese into business impacts 2. Negotiating key protections Result? The deal closed and became the foundation for their Series A. This is why I’m obsessed with making legal strategy accessible: when entrepreneurs unders
Beyond the Contract: Legal Strategy as a Growth Engine
One piece of feedback I received after a recent presentation I made really stuck with me: “I didn’t realize a business lawyer could impact more than just the contract being drafted.” I hear this often and it highlights a common misconception about what legal strategy actually is. For many of the founders and companies I work with, the contract is rarely the real issue. It’s a signal of something deeper: • Misaligned sales messaging • Unclear product positioning
Legal Isn’t a Checkbox—It’s a Strategic Advantage
One of the biggest misconceptions I see with founders is the idea that legal work is a commodity, something you can price by page count or volume. Recently, a founder asked me for a “quote” to review over 500 pages of self-drafted compliance and privacy documents… before we had discussed their platform, features, risks, users, or goals. On paper, 500 pages may look impressive and thorough. In reality, volume doesn’t equal protection and often creates more confusion than c
The Planner You Can Count On
Planning is in my DNA. On a recent family trip up the California coast, I was wrapping up an acquisition deal for a client before leaving. I asked my family if they wanted to help plan the trip, their answer? A resounding “no.” They rely on me to create smooth, seamless experiences, and my clients rely on the same qualities to turn legal challenges into smooth resolutions for contracts, IP, and growth strategy. I’m the planner for my family, and I’m the planner for my cli
Stop Fear. Start Scaling.
Ever watched a client’s shoulders relax when they finally understand their legal position? That moment—when confusion turns to clarity—is why I do this work. Most entrepreneurs come to me feeling: - Overwhelmed by contract jargon - Paralyzed by compliance risks - Unsure how to protect their IP But here’s the shift I create for them: ✅ Stop fearing legal pitfalls ✅ Using legal strategy as a growth lever ✅ Negotiating deals with confidence The best part? Watch
LA Tech Week and Closing an Acquisition
October 17th was a great day in more ways than one for Ms. Salehpour and Salehpour Legal. In the morning, Ms. Salehpour hosted an amazing group of founders and investors for an LA Tech Week hike—fresh air, meaningful conversations, and real connections with innovators and business leaders. On the professional side, Ms. Salehpour also closed the acquisition of one of her clients that afternoon, helping them navigate the transaction smoothly and strategically and ensuring their
Ms. Salehpour Speaking on AI at LAPA's 49th Annual Conference
On October 18, 2025, Ms. Salehpour presented The Ethical Edge: Staying Ethical in the Age of AI, Remote Work, and Legal Tech at LAPA's 49th Annual Conference. The presentation was focused on ethics in the age of AI and helping founders and businesses navigating legal issues around the development and deployment of AI every day. Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice. Contact: msalehpour@salehpourlaw.com #Contracts #Tech
Ms. Salehpour Presents for the National Society of IT Service Providers
On September 24th, Ms. Salehpour joined the National Society of IT Service Providers for their Cyber Series to present Master Customer Contracts: Legal Essentials for IT Providers. She provided insights into critical legal considerations surrounding customer contracts in the tech industry, covering essential topics such as data privacy and risk mitigation, providing IT providers with practical knowledge to enhance their contract management skills and achieve better business o
From AI to M&A: Navigating the New Legal Frontier
Excited to share that Ms. Salehpour podcast appearance for Steward Your Business titled From AI to M&A: Navigating the New Legal Frontier...
Curious about AI-generated contracts?
Curious about AI-generated contracts? Ms. Salehpour was recently interviewed by Lumin about their legal enforceability. The takeaway: AI...
Mastering Customer Contracts: Legal Essentials for IT Service Providers
Thrilled to be speaking at this upcoming webinar with the National Society of IT Service Providers on simplifying your contract strategy....
Who REALLY Owns AI-Generated Content? What Businesses Must Know
Using AI tools like ChatGPT to create content? Don’t assume you own it outright. In this video, I break down the legal realities around...
The #1 #AI Mistake Companies Make — and How to Avoid It
Excited to kick off this new video series on AI + Law! In this first clip, I share the #1 mistake I see companies make when using tools...
Ms. Salehpour Presenting on AI and the Law for LAPA
Ms. Salehpour will be speaking on a topic that’s rapidly reshaping the legal landscape: artificial intelligence and its legal...
The AI Balancing Act: Power, Pitfalls, and Possibilities
Join Ms. Salehpour next Monday, April 14, at The AI Balancing Act: Power, Pitfalls, and Possibilities webinar where she will be joining a...
Ms. Salehpour Presenting Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Basics for Paralegals
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Salehpour will be speaking at Hot Topics in California Paralegal Practice , where shell be covering:...
Ms. Salehpour Speaking at Women in Tech Global Conference 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Salehpour will be speaking on legal considerations and developments with AI at the Women in Tech...
Entity Mistakes That Can Cost You Later
Choosing the wrong business structure can cost you big down the road—think unnecessary taxes, investor issues, and even personal...
Data Privacy Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know
As we step further into 2025, it’s important to stay on top of the evolving landscape of data privacy laws, especially as they continue...
Protecting Privacy in the Age of AI: 3 Key Considerations for Your Business
As AI becomes more embedded in business operations, ensuring data privacy is paramount. AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of...
AI Training for Employees: Why It’s Essential for Your Business
AI tools are becoming an integral part of many businesses, from automating repetitive tasks to assisting with data analysis and...
The Benefits of Working with a Small Law Firm
One of the biggest advantages of working with a small firm is the personalized attention you receive. Your matter won’t get lost in the...
Negotiating Vendor Contracts: Key Tips for Protecting Your Business
Whether you’re working with software providers, marketing agencies, or other service vendors, vendors agreements are critical for...
Is Your Business CIPA-Compliant? - 3 Steps to Mitigate Legal Risks from Tracking Technologies
Is Your Business CIPA-Compliant? - 3 Steps to Mitigate Legal Risks from Tracking Technologies The California Invasion of Privacy Act,...
Navigating the Intersection of AI and DEI (Ms. Salehpour's Recently Published Article from NALA's Quarterly Magazine)
ChatGPT was released almost two years ago, capturing the attention of the public and making artificial intelligence (AI) an overnight...
Key Legal Updates for 2025 Businesses Should Know
As we kick off 2025, here are some critical legal developments in data privacy, artificial intelligence, and technology compliance that...
🚨 Net Neutrality Struck Down by Appeals Court 🚨
A recent ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has dealt a blow to the FCC’s attempts to enforce net neutrality. The court ruled...
Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2025, I’m excited about the new opportunities and challenges it brings. This year, I’m looking forward to partnering with...
Update on Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Compliance
If you are a business owner, here's an important update regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) , which requires most entities...
Lessons from the Trail: Navigating Challenges in Business and Beyond
What a fantastic time on our UCLA Alumni holiday hike this past weekend! As we hiked, I was reminded of a key lesson we all encounter in...
805 Startups Office Hours
I’m thrilled to be joining 805 Startups as a mentor for office hours on 12/10, where I’ll be answering questions and offering insights...
Happy Thanksgiving
As we gather for Thanksgiving, we at Salehpour Legal are deeply grateful for the trust and relationships we’ve built with each of you. ...
From the Outdoors to the Boardroom: Why Strong Relationships Matter
Had a fantastic time leading the pre-Thanksgiving hike with fellow UCLA alumni yesterday! 🍁 Stepping away from the routine and...
Building Trust with Transparent Data Privacy Practices
Data privacy is more than just compliance—it’s a way to build customer trust. With privacy concerns rising, here are some practical tips...
Legal Insights: Copyright and AI Training Data
A recent development in the intersection of copyright law and artificial intelligence highlights a key challenge facing creators,...
Level Up Your Business Skills
Ready to level up your business skills? Join me next Wednesday (11/13) at 10:00 a.m. pacific for another session of Finance,...
Quick Tip: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Service Agreements
When working with customers, clarity in service agreements can make all the difference. One area that’s often overlooked by businesses -...
Election Day Choices and Business Decisions: Why Informed Choices Matter in Every Vote—and Every Venture”
Election Day is all about making informed choices that shape our future. And in business, the principle is the same. Whether it’s...
👻 The Frightening Truth About IP Ownership: Don’t Let It Haunt Your Startup!
Happy Halloween! I want to share a common legal horror story in the startup world—one that has haunted many founders and their businesses...
Industry Insight: Navigating Data Privacy in the SaaS and AI Landscape
With data privacy laws evolving rapidly worldwide, SaaS and AI companies face increasing challenges in ensuring compliance across...
Clarity in Business Agreements
Wrapping up a week of conversations around the importance of clarity in business agreements, from customer contracts to oral deals. ...