Recognized as a top boutique startup law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, SPZ provides exceptional legal services to emerging growth companies at a fraction of the cost. As outside general counsel, we provide a range of business law services to our startup clients. From formation to funding and beyond, you can count on us to get things done right without breaking the bank.
That means more money for hiring, marketing, and operations! We help you with forming a business entity for your startup, whether as a corporation or an LLC. We help you navigate the legal challenges of raising capital to fund your venture's growth. We support your sales operation by drafting and negotiating sales contracts and other commercial agreements.
That means more money for hiring, marketing, and operations! We help you with forming a business entity for your startup, whether as a corporation or an LLC. We help you navigate the legal challenges of raising capital to fund your venture's growth. We support your sales operation by drafting and negotiating sales contracts and other commercial agreements.
Services
We love working with our clients as outside General Counsel, helping them navigate everything from the day-to-day legal issues that arise to larger transactions. Our flexibility also allows us to work with clients on a more targeted basis at times, assisting them with a narrower set of their overall legal needs, such as supporting their sales operations by drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
Becky focuses her practice in corporate and transactional law, with an emphasis on start-up and growth companies, as well as their investors. Becky is a trusted advisor for companies through the various phases of the startup lifecycle and often works closely with the founding leadership from formation to exit.
David De La Flor is a San Francisco Bay Area business law attorney who prides himself on the successes of his clients. David understands the importance of high-quality legal counsel to entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes, and seeks to provide each of his clients with the personalized attention they deserve.
As a filmmaker and two-time founder turned corporate attorney, Ross brings entrepreneurial perspective, passion, and creativity to his work representing technology companies. Previously, Ross was the Founder and Head of Atrium's FinTech & Blockchain practice where he led a team that represented industry-leading AI, fintech, blockchain, and payment technology companies.
Tami is a Senior Corporate Paralegal with SPZ Legal, P.C. She specializes in startup formations, company financing, merger & acquisition transactions, securities regulation compliance and stock plan administration. Tami's prior experience includes working as a senior corporate paralegal for Egan Nelson LLP in Seattle, WA, Atrium LLP in San Francisco, CA and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in Sacramento, CA.
Reviews (13)
Randy L.
Feb 17, 2019
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Finding a good lawyer is like trying to find a good partner in a relationship. You are starting a new journey in starting a business, and you want someone who can support you along the way.
I took a leap of faith in SPZ Legal because I was looking for someone in the bay area to be closer to my business operation. Hash took his time to answer my pre-incorporation questions, and offers to help the whole process should I choose to proceed.
The whole process from SPZ Legal from start to incorporation was seamless. Hash will keep in communication with you from the beginning of the process to
I took a leap of faith in SPZ Legal because I was looking for someone in the bay area to be closer to my business operation. Hash took his time to answer my pre-incorporation questions, and offers to help the whole process should I choose to proceed.
The whole process from SPZ Legal from start to incorporation was seamless. Hash will keep in communication with you from the beginning of the process to
Natalie G.
Nov 28, 2018
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Trent N.
Sep 09, 2018
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David L.
Feb 20, 2018
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Tomas Janusas
Oct 25, 2017
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This is simply the best legal option for small to midsize businesses and individuals. In my career having dealt with the big law firms like Orrick, I can confidently say that the quality, attention and professionalism exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend working with Ryan, who was helpful, accommodating, quick and knowledgable to answer any legal questions I had even during the initial consultation.
Will H.
Mar 07, 2017
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Calley M.
Dec 29, 2016
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I could not speak more highly of Ryan Pokrasso and SPZ legal.
I am the CEO of an early-stage startup that went through the process of establishing a corporation and raising venture capital money over the past several months. Ryan was strategic, responsive, and diligent throughout the process. I do not think there is a better option for new startups navigating the legal imperatives of launching a company. I have worked with some the large law firms, and Ryan is better for startups - he has a great understanding of what companies need to do in the formation process and the intricacies of VC funding
I am the CEO of an early-stage startup that went through the process of establishing a corporation and raising venture capital money over the past several months. Ryan was strategic, responsive, and diligent throughout the process. I do not think there is a better option for new startups navigating the legal imperatives of launching a company. I have worked with some the large law firms, and Ryan is better for startups - he has a great understanding of what companies need to do in the formation process and the intricacies of VC funding
Nancy D.
Aug 25, 2016
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Working with Ryan on my acrimonious business break-up was a bright spot in an otherwise totally miserable experience. He is quick, compassionate, and thoroughly knowledgeable. Let's be real here, as clients we know nothing about "this law stuff" which is why we retain an expert. But how do we know if we picked a good egg? Well, I ran everything Ryan said by my lawyer boyfriend and he said, "it's clear he knows what he's talking about" so there you go. An expert with a seal of approval from an expert!
Ken F.
Oct 23, 2015
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Sheila K.
Jul 29, 2015
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I am PERSNICKETY and Ryan and Hash have met my needs. I was moving my business from a sole prop to LLC--Ryan and Hash gave me great, well thought-out advice and super thorough follow-up emails. They lead me through processes to file my paperwork w/ the state, IRS docs, trademark filing while keeping me aware of what I need to do to minimize risk. And for business questions that aren't their bailiwick (specific tax law questions), they are smart enough to recognize it and recommend other resources.
I needed to find attorneys who were not overly-prescribed and hurried--they've both
I needed to find attorneys who were not overly-prescribed and hurried--they've both
Chris M.
May 07, 2015
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Ryan and Hash have been incredibly helpful in the formation of our business. From incorporation documents and crafting a user-friendly privacy policy to handling a difficult termination, they go above and beyond just legal advice.
They also created a custom contract for our work with local governments -- no easy task given the regulations for the client. They are always available via email or phone to walk through details of contracts, employment law, or provide advice.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
They also created a custom contract for our work with local governments -- no easy task given the regulations for the client. They are always available via email or phone to walk through details of contracts, employment law, or provide advice.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
D. B.
Feb 26, 2015
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I recently came to Elevate for help when a business breeched a contract. I really appreciate their ability to communicate in a way that is both straight forward and legally sound. I also noticed early on the respectful and tactful way that they communicated with my client's attorney. This resulted in an amicable and quick settlement. The opposing attorney was surprisingly helpful, largely due to Ryan and Hash staying on top of the case with follow ups and settlement executions, etc.
I really appreciate their help, and our business has come back to Elevate for help writing and responding
I really appreciate their help, and our business has come back to Elevate for help writing and responding
Cecile P.
Feb 25, 2015
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I've been working with Ryan and Hash for almost a year now. They were recommended to me by a friend who is also a lawyer but was unable to represent me.
At the time I had some questions and concerns about my rights in the event my company would be acquired. They explained the situation to me and gave me great advice.
At the time I had some questions and concerns about my rights in the event my company would be acquired. They explained the situation to me and gave me great advice.
