Inhouse lawyers cost about ther same as grade A developers or sales people. Certainly less than most executives. Why do lawyers choose to work inhouse? Because working at white-shoe law firms means 90 hours a week.
You don't HAVE to use Wilson and $onsini to look at incoming NDAs, for example.
The whole point of writing fair form contracts is to remove legal burden when deals get done, without compromising the outcome or the rights of either party.
It's true that VCs have close relationships with certain white shoe law firms, so legal costs can be high when closing rounds of financing. Grumble about it, for sure. Consider it a tax on the money you raise. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that same law firm is "your lawyers," and you can't get help from other lawyers.
You don't HAVE to use Wilson and $onsini to look at incoming NDAs, for example.
The whole point of writing fair form contracts is to remove legal burden when deals get done, without compromising the outcome or the rights of either party.
It's true that VCs have close relationships with certain white shoe law firms, so legal costs can be high when closing rounds of financing. Grumble about it, for sure. Consider it a tax on the money you raise. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that same law firm is "your lawyers," and you can't get help from other lawyers.