An On-Demand Legal Advisory Tool for Small Business Owners and Professionals

Switchboard is an unbundled, flat-fee legal service that delivers direct answers to everyday legal, operational, and document-related questions. Whether you need a contract deciphered or immediate guidance on a compliance risk, Switchboard offers accessible counsel on your schedule, without incurring hourly fees or exorbitant rates.

How It Works

1. Register as a Switchboard User: First-time users must register before submitting any questions. Register by completing the form below.

2. Submit Online: Submit your question and upload relevant documents (if necessary) directly through the client portal, which will be made available to you upon registering. When you submit your request, you will assign a proposed tier to your request. The three tiers of requests are outlined below under "Pricing."

3. Accepting the Request: Your submission will be reviewed to ensure it meets the submission requirements and, if so, the reviewer will assign a tier to your request. If the proposed tier and reviewer tier align, the request will be accepted, and work will begin on your request.

4. Answers Delivered Quickly: Within 1-2 business days, you will receive a concise, written response delivered directly to you through the client portal. Invoices are sent with the delivery of the response.

Common Scenarios Suited for Switchboard

Switchboard is intended to provide small business owners with a reliable, accessible source of legal information for questions that pop up and require more than just a Google search to adequately ensure everything is taken care of. Some examples of Switchboard topics and questions include:

Business Operations

• Ownership & Structure: "Should I register as an LLC, S-Corp, or sole proprietorship for my new venture, and what are the liability differences?"

• Partner Disputes & Exits: "My business partner wants to leave the company—what are our rights under our current operating agreement?"

• Licensing & Local Permits: "Do I need a special municipal permit or business license to offer this new service in town?"

• Contract Review: "What does this contract clause, legal notice, or demand letter actually mean for me?

• Workplace & Employment: "I have a workplace issue with an employee—what are my compliance risks and best next steps?"

• Vendor & Lease Terms: "Are there hidden liabilities or unfavorable terms in this commercial lease or vendor agreement before I sign?"

• Unpaid Client Invoices: "A client is 90 days past due on a $3,500 invoice—what are my options that don't include hiring a collections agency? "

• Disputed Charges & Scams: "A supplier sent an invoice for unauthorized add-on fees—am I obligated to pay under our current agreement?"

• Valuation & Funding Mechanisms: "We have a buy-sell agreement in place, but how do we legally establish the purchase price formula and fund the buyout using life insurance or promissory notes?"

Property, Leases & Neighbors

• Commercial Tenant Issues: "My commercial landlord didn't repair the HVAC as promised—can I withhold rent or terminate the lease?"

• Boundaries & Easements: "My neighbor put up a fence that seems to cross onto my commercial or residential lot—what is my immediate first step?"

• Subleasing & Space Sharing: "Can I sublet an unused back office or booth space under my current commercial lease?"

Digital, Brand & Marketing

• Trademarks & Logos: "Another local business started using a name very similar to mine—is there anything I can do?"

• Online Reviews & Defamation: "A disgruntled competitor or customer posted a false, damaging review online—what are my legal options for removal?"

• Website Policies: "Does my basic business website legally require a privacy policy and terms of service if I collect customer emails?"

Estate and Personal Matters

• Probate Avoidance: "My parents owned a vehicle and small bank account—does our family actually need to go through probate court to transfer them?"

• Power of Attorney Timing: "When does my parent's healthcare or financial Power of Attorney actually take effect, and how do I present it to the bank?"

• Insurance Matters: "I received a denial or complex policy letter from an insurer—what are my legal options?"

• Tax & Proceeds Clarity: "Are life insurance proceeds or an inheritance subject to tax, and what filings are needed?"

Requests Not Suited for Switchboard

If an inquiry requires drafting custom agreements from scratch, multi-party negotiations, courtroom representation, or extensive historical research, it is not a request that can be answered through Switchboard. Assistance referring such a question to another attorney or law firm may be provided upon request.

Limited Scope Engagement

Switchboard provides a limited scope engagement related solely to the discrete legal question submitted. Acceptance of a request through Switchboard does not constitute ongoing general representation or ongoing limited representation on the matter submitted through Switchboard. Upon providing a response to the discrete question, the limited scope engagement terminates.

Pricing

Service Tier Levels

Tier 1: Quick Question - $50

One discrete legal, tax, or operational question that either doesn't require document review or only seeks to understand the nature of a received document. Direct, plain-English written answer delivered within 24 hours.

Tier 2: Standard Review & Advice - $150

1 legal question + review of routine documentation (up to 5 pages). Written summary (500-800 words) explaining practical meaning, key risks, and recommended next steps. Response delivered in 1-2 business days.

Tier 3: Comprehensive Review - $250

Robust analysis of larger agreements (up to 15 pages) or questions that require some legal research. Detailed written review (<2000 words) responding to the question with cited sources and recommended next steps. Response delivered in 1-2 business days.

Switchboard