BUSINESS ATTORNEY FOR‍ FOUNDERS

Three Polaroid-style photos of people sleeping, labeled 'Sleeping Founder #17,' 'Sleeping Founder #43,' and 'Sleeping Founder #95,' arranged against a black background.

HELPING FOUNDERS SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT ® ✨

HELPING FOUNDERS SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT ® ✨

LEGAL PROTECTION THAT LETS YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT

You’re tired of wondering what you’re missing.

You want to know your bases are covered, your contracts will hold up, and the right protections are in place.

Online templates and crossed fingers aren’t a legal strategy. A lawyer who thinks ahead is.

Flat-rate pricing. No surprise invoices.

Venus Liles, wearing earrings and a light pink outfit with a matching long sleeveless blazer, smiling and crossing her arms, standing against a plain light gray background.
Collage of business certification and recognition logos, including Certified B Corporation, Green Places Carbon Neutral 2022, Woman Owned, Minority Owned, Spark Grants organizer and sponsor, BBB Accredited Business A+, and local nonprofit supporter.
VIEW SERVICES

“Please do yourself a favor and book with Venus! She is AMAZING! So personable and she makes sure you're completely covered from head to toe regarding anything that could potentially harm you or your business. She explains everything so that someone who isn't a lawyer would understand and is incredibly quick to reply to any correspondence, will schedule a meeting with you if you need one, and just really takes her time!! 10/10 would recommend, 100% worth the investment, took so much work off my plate and I feel confident in moving forward with my business because I know I've done everything legally right. Very proud to say this is the attorney I work with and will turn to her and nobody else in the future regarding my business!”

“100% worth the investment… I feel confident in moving forward with my business because I know I've done everything legally right.”

Nashara Turrentine

Founder of Noir Et Blanc Weddings & Events

You can do hard things.

But starting a business on your own can feel unsettling. Suddenly everything is your responsibility: the contracts, the IP, the risk, the “what ifs.”

You don’t want to Google your way through legal decisions, overpay for law-firm mystique you don’t need, or find out too late that something should have been handled differently.

You want to build it once and build it well. That’s where I come in.

Smiling woman in a yellow blazer writing in a notebook on a pink chair beside a laptop and glass coffee table
GET STARTED

“Working with Venus was a pleasure! She provided exemplary service and was easy to reach, whether it was via phone-call, text or email. Our sessions felt jam-packed with information in the best way possible (great value for the time spent together discussing the process of launching my business). I would recommend Liles Law's services and Venus to all interested in launching their first business. Venus is approachable, enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. Launching a business is stressful and overwhelming but having an experienced attorney and consultant like Venus makes the process that much more streamlined and enjoyable. 5 star review :)”

Jesse Gutierrez

Founder of Hymn Consulting

PEACE OF MIND IS PART OF THE BUSINESS PLAN

Legal work shouldn’t feel reactive or rushed.

Most legal problems don’t start as emergencies. They start as small gaps that go unnoticed until they’re expensive regrets. My job is to find them early, while they’re still simple to fix.

•     Proactive, not reactive — Risks get spotted early, not after something goes wrong.

•     Clear, practical advice — No fear tactics. No legalese to decode.

•     Built to protect you — Contracts and policies written for your business, not to check a box.

•     Flat-rate pricing — You’ll know the cost upfront. No surprise invoices, and no meter running while you ask questions.

You don’t have to burn out to build something that lasts. Strong legal foundations are part of sustainable growth.

Venus Liles, wearing large earrings, a patterned dress, and a sleeveless gray blazer against a black background.
GET STARTED
A top-down view of a glass coffee table with a woman's hand reaching for a mug of coffee. The table holds a bouquet of pink flowers, a menu, a family menu checklist, fashion magazines, a black notebook, a floral tray with a small candle, and a pink box. The woman is wearing floral pants and sandals.

A business attorney who provides relief, not stress.

I help founders with:

•     Business formation and restructuring

•     Contracts and service agreements

•     Trademarks and intellectual property

•     Website terms, privacy policies, and compliance

•     Ongoing outside counsel as your business grows

Whether you’re just getting started or strengthening what you’ve built, you’ll walk away with a legal foundation you can rely on.

Venus Liles, smiling while holding a laptop in a bright, modern living room with large windows, a dark sofa, and plants.
SEE SERVICES

“Venus is amazing! Beyond being extremely well qualified, she's thorough, fast, and lovely to work with. Venus is adept at organizing and mitigating risk for complex business models. She helped our startup prioritize legal needs in congruence with our financial limitations -- she developed and negotiated ironclad contracts that we will use for years to come. We sleep easy at night knowing that we have Venus on our side! Worth every penny!”

“We sleep easy at night knowing that we have Venus on our side! Worth every penny!”

Caroline Cockerham

Co-Founder of CICIL

Venus Liles, wearing a black sleeveless dress with buttons, smiling and standing outdoors on a balcony with a forested background in autumn.

Building a business should feel empowering.

I’m Venus Liles, a Duke Law–trained business attorney with more than 15 years of experience and the founder of Liles Law.

I spent years in traditional legal settings, where long hours, vague billing, and manufactured urgency were normal. I knew founders deserved a better way to get legal help.

So I built it.

MORE ABOUT ME

I’ve helped founders build:

🚀 software companies

🚀 marketing agencies

🚀 interior design firms

🚀 speaking gigs

🚀 mobile apps

🚀 coaching businesses

🚀 recruiting agencies

🚀 photography companies

🚀 restaurants

🚀 medical practices

🚀 online communities

🚀 pet-sitting businesses

🚀 consumer goods

🚀 podcasts

🚀 accounting firms

🚀 consulting agencies

🚀 executive services

🚀 retail stores

🚀 non-profits

🚀 publishing companies

🚀 AI solutions

🚀 jewelry stores

🚀 website design

🚀 fractional leadership

🚀 fitness gyms

🚀 cyber-security solutions

🚀 travel agencies

🚀 event planning

🚀 wearable tech

🚀 energy initiatives

🚀 law practices

🚀 social media agencies

🚀 ice cream shops

Can I help you build your dream next?

GET STARTED

“Venus is the startup lawyer with an entrepreneur's mindset every startup needs. As a founder, working with Venus is amazing. She's been in our shoes and understands the fast-paced, rollercoaster nature of the startup journey. Venus uses A+ transparent processes and tools. There is never a question about what the next step is and what the deadline will be or how much it will cost. As things change, like they do on a daily basis for startups, Venus' prompt communication makes it easy to work with her and accomplish big goals - like putting a dent in the universe!”

“There is never a question about what the next step is and what the deadline will be or how much it will cost.”

Scott McQuiggan

Co-Founder of Social Cascade

Venus Liles, wearing a black leather blazer, burgundy dress, and snake print high heels, sitting on a pink chair against a plain grey background, smiling at the camera.

Are we a good fit?

I do my best work with founders and small business owners who:

•     Want to build it right the first time, not patch problems later

•     Are ready to invest in full legal protection rather than a single document

•     Value a real working relationship with their attorney

Not quite ready? Start with my free handbook. When you’re ready to move forward, I’ll be here.

GET STARTED

“Venus Liles is a pleasure to work with. She helped me put together incorporation documents and a contractor agreement for growing my team. I found her to be professional, experienced, and empathetic to my business concerns. I think she will be an outstanding strategic partner for my business moving forward. I highly recommend Venus for your business' legal needs!”

“I found her to be professional, experienced, and empathetic to my business concerns.”

Ellen Gowdy

Co-Founder of Curious

Ready to start?

Here’s how it works:

•     Apply — Complete a short new client application so I can learn about your business.

•     Review — I run a conflict check and confirm your project is a good fit.

•     Consult — You’ll get an email with a link to schedule your consultation.

Your consultation is a focused, one-on-one working session. For $350, you’ll get a risk assessment and a custom proposal outlining the steps I recommend to protect your business. This isn’t a sales call or a quick Q&A. It’s a strategic conversation about protecting what you’re building.

Venus Liles, smiling, wearing a light pink dress and blazer, sitting against a plain background.
GET STARTED

“Liles Law has been instrumental in reviewing and advising on contracts, NDAs, and various legal matters that are critical in the early stages of a business. What stands out about Venus is her ability to translate complex legal scenarios into actionable advice, making her an ideal partner for startups venturing into new and often uncharted territories. Her expertise has been pivotal in establishing a robust legal framework for our Quiet Eye™ Training System, including her guidance through the trademarking process that has ensured our intellectual property is protected. For startups looking for legal counsel that provides clarity, foresight, and a deep understanding of the challenges new companies face, we highly recommend Liles Law. The professionalism of Venus and her commitment to clients' success makes her a go-to partner for legal advice and representation in the startup ecosystem.”

“What stands out about Venus is her ability to translate complex legal scenarios into actionable advice.”

Adam Kiefer

Co-Founder of Elipsys LLC

You might be wondering…

Venus Liles smiling and sitting on a white chair, wearing a sleeveless dark gray blazer over a patterned dress, and large earrings, against a plain light gray background.

Do I work with clients outside North Carolina?

Yes. Although I’m licensed in North Carolina, much of my work, including trademarks, contracts, and website policies, isn’t tied to one state’s law. That lets me work with founders across the country. If your matter needs a lawyer licensed in your state, I’ll tell you upfront.

How much does it cost?

Initial consultations are $350 and include a risk assessment and a custom proposal. From there, most projects are flat-rate, with no retainers and no billable-hour surprises. Most clients invest $10K–$20K in their initial legal foundation, which covers full protection, not just one project.

Why not just use AI or online templates?

Templates and AI tools produce generic documents. They don’t know your business, your risks, or your goals, and they can’t tell you what’s missing. I regularly rewrite template agreements that left founders at risk of losing their IP, not getting paid, or facing unlimited liability. Getting it right the first time costs far less than fixing it later.

SEE ALL FAQS

“Venus is the attorney every small business owner needs in their corner. She helped me understand and prioritize my legal needs, allowing me to make the best decisions for my business and minimize potential risks. She made an intimidating process easy to navigate and follow by ditching the jargon and being completely transparent. I've already recommended her services to other smalls in my network and will continue to do so!”

“Venus is the attorney every small business owner needs in their corner.”

Kristin Williams

Founder of The Amalgamation

Founder life can feel lonely.

It doesn’t have to.

Group of women at an outdoor gathering, smiling and posing for a photo with fall foliage in the background.

Beyond legal work, I host workshops, gatherings, and events that connect you with startup resources and other founders at every stage.

Welcome to your new founder community.

GET STARTED
Venus Liles celebrating with curly metallic ribbon against pink background.

“I was one of those people who used some online legal services because I was afraid I'd end up overpaying for legal services I didn't need. I couldn't have been more wrong. Her services and pricing are very reasonable for the thoroughness and quality that you need to protect your business. I am so delighted to have Venus as my legal partner to support my business. If you are a small business or launching a start-up, I highly recommend engaging Liles Law.”

“Her services and pricing are very reasonable for the thoroughness and quality that you need to protect your business.”

Portia Mount

Founder of Mount Creative

Founders I’ve helped:

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Jess Ekstrom

    FOUNDER OF HEADBANDS OF HOPE

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Nicole Oxendine

    FOUNDER OF EMPOWER CORPORATION

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Will Stroud

    CO-FOUNDER OF PRESS RECORD MEDIA

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Maari Casey

    FOUNDER OF UNCOMPANY

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Dezbee McDaniel

    CO-FOUNDER OF CLINISPAN HEALTH

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Christina Noel

    FOUNDER OF NOEL & CO.

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Chan Namgong

    FOUNDER OF ONCOTECT

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Anne Jones

    FOUNDER OF ON THE TEAM

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    William Brown

    FOUNDER OF DOCEO

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Melissa Eggleston

    FOUNDER OF BIRDCALL UX

  • Startup Founder (Client of Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Portia Mount

    FOUNDER OF MOUNT CREATIVE

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Alisa Herr

    FOUNDER OF UNITY WEB AGENCY

  • A man with short brown hair, light skin, and blue eyes is smiling, wearing a light purple checkered shirt, with a microphone in front of him.

    Jason Gillikin

    FOUNDER OF EARFLUENCE

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Kristin Williams

    FOUNDER OF THE AMALGAMATION

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Alicia Hawes

    FOUNDER OF THREE BIRDIES

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Leon Adelman

    FOUNDER OF IVY CLINICIANS

  • Jamie Ousterout

    FOUNDER OF STABILIMENTA

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Katie McMillan

    FOUNDER OF WELL MADE HEALTH

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Jeff Truitt

    CO-FOUNDER OF SECURRENCY

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Shawnette Rochelle

    FOUNDER OF EXCELLENCE UNBOUNDED

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Carlota Sage

    FOUNDER OF POCKET CISO

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Amanda Murphy

    FOUNDER OF MOMENTUM FOR GOOD

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Donald Murry

    FOUNDER OF NAVIGATE DIGITAL HEALTH

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Emma Browning

    FOUNDER OF PARADOX CONSULTING

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Sahar Siamak

    FOUNDER OF SURENA DESIGNS

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Nicole Fowler

    FOUNDER OF KATROY CONSULTING

  • Portrait of a smiling man with dark hair and a beard against a yellow background.

    Jesse Gutierrez

    FOUNDER OF HYMN CONSULTING

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, light makeup, and wearing a black top and gold necklace with a teardrop pendant, smiling softly against a light, textured background.

    Elizabeth Skibbe

    FOUNDER OF ACORN ACCOUNTING

  • A woman with long, wavy blonde hair smiling outdoors, wearing a navy floral blouse.

    Sam Baker

    FOUNDER OF SAM BAKER CONSULTING

  • Black and white portrait of a man in a collared shirt, with short dark hair, looking directly at the camera.

    Michael Worthington

    CO-FOUNDER OF BRIGHTDOOR

  • A young woman with dark, curly hair and a bright smile, outdoors.

    Vesal Bizieff

    FOUNDER OF VESAL VISUALS

  • A smiling man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a light blue shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Mark Saad

    CO-FOUNDER OF SHERPA COLLABORATIVE

  • A woman with brown wavy hair smiling, wearing a yellow shirt, against an orange background.

    Emily Crookston

    FOUNDER OF THE POCKET PHD

  • A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black shirt and a feather earring, smiling against a dark background.

    Hannah Cole

    FOUNDER OF SUNLIGHT TAX

  • Portrait of a smiling man with a beard and bald head, wearing a sports jersey.

    Landon Turner

    FOUNDER OF TRIANGLE TRENCH ACADEMY

  • A smiling man with short blond hair wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, outdoors at night.

    Timothy Seward

    FOUNDER OF ROI REVOLUTION

  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair, wearing a blue sleeveless top and earrings, smiling against a gray background.

    Ellen Gowdy

    CO-FOUNDER OF CURIOUS

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling in an indoor setting with a striped background and decorative pillows, wearing a beige blazer and colorful beaded necklace.

    Cate Holcombe

    FOUNDER OF CATE HOLCOMBE INTERIORS

  • A smiling bald man with clear glasses and a short beard, wearing a black shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Eric Sydell

    CO-FOUNDER OF VERO AI

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a yellow top and a colorful beaded necklace, posing against a plain white background.

    Tiffany Tate

    FOUNDER OF CAREER MAVEN CONSULTING

  • A young woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, smiling, wearing a light denim jacket with patches on the shoulder, in front of a colorful background with pink, blue, and purple hues.

    Emily Hayes

    FOUNDER OF CLAP INTO KINDERGARTEN

  • A young woman with long blonde hair smiling outdoors in front of a cityscape with modern buildings.

    Lauren McCullough

    CO-FOUNDER OF AURORA FLOW

  • Annie Marchetta

    FOUNDER OF SPOTTED INTERIORS

  • A young man with glasses, smiling, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Sam Weaver

    FOUNDER OF STELLA LUNA LABS

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, glasses, and a white top, smiling in front of a beige brick wall.

    Emily Chaffee

    FOUNDER OF CAROLINA BIRTH AND WELLNESS

  • A woman with blonde hair smiling in front of a dark background with plants.

    Meg Paradise

    CO-FOUNDER OF UMBRELLA DRY BAR

  • A man with light skin, short light hair and a beard wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, standing indoors with a window with blinds in the background.

    Jeremy Willingham

    FOUNDER OF LIGHTSTORM SECURITY

  • Woman taking a selfie with a camera, with her face partially visible and her hair covering part of her face.

    Emily Bennett

    FOUNDER OF EMILY BENNETT STUDIO

  • A man with short dark hair and a full beard smiling, sitting indoors with large windows in the background.

    Scott McQuiggan

    CO-FOUNDER OF SOCIAL CASCADE

  • A woman with long, wavy red hair smiling at the camera, sitting in a bright room with a window in the background.

    Lucy Kosturko

    CO-FOUNDER OF SOCIAL CASCADE

  • A woman with long, wavy, light brown hair and fair skin, smiling slightly, wearing a black top, in front of a white background with some blurred elements.

    Elizabeth Ruf

    CO-FOUNDER OF THE SCUPPERNONG GROUP

  • Close-up of a smiling man with glasses, a beard, and short brown hair, outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    Cody Charland

    CO-FOUNDER OF THE SCUPPERNONG GROUP

  • A middle-aged woman with gray hair, smiling and laughing, wearing a beige coat and a white turtleneck, with a blurred outdoor background.

    Anessa Fike

    FOUNDER OF FIKE+CO

  • Smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing earrings and a yellow top, outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Inez Ribustello

    FOUNDER OF TARBORO BREWING COMPANY

  • Startup Founder (Liles Law - Business Lawyer)

    Michelle Addison

    FOUNDER OF ALLERGOOD

“Venus helped me establish my media production business as an LLC, as well as draft my client contracts and website user agreement. Not only did she make the process quick and painless, but she made everything so easy for a new business owner like me to understand. Liles Law elevated the legitimacy of my business and as a result I have been consistently landing more serious, high-paying clients. I would recommend Liles Law to anyone looking to take the next step in protecting their business. Easily the most formative decision I've made as a freelancer.”

“Liles Law elevated the legitimacy of my business and as a result I have been consistently landing more serious, high-paying clients.”

Areon Mobasher

Founder of Areon Media

Download your free legal quiz

Answer 40 short questions to find the legal gaps in your business, from formation and contracts to trademarks and compliance, before they turn into expensive headaches.

LEARN MORE

“Venus is a phenomenal resource for anyone looking to start their company. She's supported me from the formation of my LLC through its growth and additional legal needs. Venus is responsive, professional, kind, thoughtful, and efficient. I can't recommend her enough to the start up community!”

“Venus is a phenomenal resource for anyone looking to start their company.”

Katie McMillan

Founder of Well Made Health

Trusted by businesses of all sizes:

Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Cate Holcombe Interiors logo with blue lettering and horizontal lines
Sherpa Collaborative logo with stylized blue and orange mountain peaks
Three Birdies Desk and Design logo in black lettering on a beige background with bird and floral accents
Empower Dance Studio logo with bold black lettering and a pink circular brushstroke replacing the O
Lyrasis logo with orange four-point star icon on a blue background
Blue text reading "on the team." on a white background
Birdcall logo with the tagline “User Experience Design for a Better World.”
Excellence unbounded logo with a colorful infinity symbol
Ivy Clinicians logo with teal and green leaf symbol and blue text
White “Hymn Consulting” text on a bright blue background
ROI Revolution logo with blue circular icon and text
Press Rec logo with a red circular record icon and bold white text on a black background
Sam Baker Consulting logo in blue text
Earfluence logo with red and black text, sound-wave icon, and tagline “Amplify Your Expertise.”
Turquoise “curious” logo on a black background
Well Made Health logo in teal and white circular design
Career Maven Consulting logo in black script lettering
Spotted Interior Design logo in muted terracotta lettering
Fifty Two Hundred Photo logo with a white arch icon on a dark blue background
Wholesome Words Speech Therapy logo with a black-and-white profile and flower illustration
Fike + Co logo with white geometric lines forming a stylized letter F and circular shape on a dark green background
Oncotect logo with coral abstract flower icon and dark purple wordmark
Dark blue “SOCIAL CASCADE” logo with stylized arrow-shaped A letters on a black background
Umbrella Dry Bar logo in dark teal lettering
Pathos Ethos Studio logo
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Liles Law Client - Business Attorney
Girls Academy soccer logo with red, white, and blue shield and athlete silhouette
Celestic logo with a white starburst compass symbol on a blue background
BabyBumps logo in brown serif lettering on a light gray background
ReelMoments by Scale Social logo with a pink heart icon
Focus Cubes logo with a three-dimensional teal, yellow, and black cube icon and the tagline "Mindfulness + Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + AI"
White KidzHack logo with stylized atom icon on a dark background
Skillshock Tech logo with the tagline “Elevate Your Skillset”
twocents.ai logo with overlapping blue circles and blue text
Sinann People logo with an infinity symbol above the text
The Bold Stripe logo in white serif lettering on a dark gray background
Colorful cartoon logo of a stylized mustache, sunglasses, bow tie, and butterfly above the text “KOOLIN’ KIDS.”
Socratik logo with bold black text over a teal brushstroke
Mendab & Company logo with an orange interwoven knot icon and dark green text
LongBay Renewables logo with an orange dotted circular emblem

“Venus has been a pleasure to work with from the very start. Starting a business is a daunting task, especially an online business. Privacy Agreements, Terms of Use, Trademarks and much more unfamiliar territory. Venus listened to all our concerns and questions, came up with a timeline of tasks to work through and was always available for additional questions. She made the legal stuff the easy stuff and I believe we both sleep better because we chose Liles Law. I would highly recommend her to anyone starting a small business.”

“She made the Legal Stuff the easy stuff and I believe we both sleep better because we chose Liles Law.”

Victoria Hassink

Co-Founder of Knitworthy Yarns

Ready to sleep better at night?

GET STARTED