Article by Yulia Barnes, Managing Partner, Barnes Law
And as a commercial lawyer, I am all too familiar with the things that can go wrong in business when founders don’t have the right legal protections in place.
At Barnes Law, my boutique commercial law firm based in the heart of Mayfair, we have a strong track record in resolving disputes through mediation, helping our clients avoid costly legal proceedings – however, it’s always preferable to avoid litigation in the first place. And to help you do so, here are five legal things that every female founder needs to get right:
When setting up your own business, it is of course essential to map out your direction of travel, to have a clear vision and purpose. Haphazardly doing a little bit of this and that is a sure-fire route to stagnation and, ultimately, failure. Nailing down your business idea and planning for success from the outset is therefore crucial.
However, one thing that founders often overlook as they draw up their entrepreneurial road map is the importance of legal protection for them and their business. So as you write your plan, you should also consider the legal documentation that you will need to put in place to bring said plan to fruition.
When founding a business, an ounce of prevention – i.e. sound legal advice – at the outset is worth many pounds of cure in the form of protracted, costly and stressful litigation further down the road. I therefore recommend that every business owner have a legal ‘health check-up’ so they can be confident that they, their business and their customers are protected.
Budget is often a concern here, with many founders worried about the expense of legal services. Some are tempted to cut corners and download generic contract templates from the Internet; however, these may be out of date and not offer founders the specific protection they require, leaving them and their business vulnerable.
We offer a free consultation to founders; but even if you have to consult a law firm that charges for this initial advice, the sums involved versus the knowledge and protection thereby gained make this a no-brainer and an essential step in your entrepreneurial journey.
When it comes to compliance, the regulatory hurdle is extremely high and the legislation is being amended on what sometimes feels like a daily basis. This makes it extremely difficult for lay people to keep on top of their obligations without professional help.
Yet it is vital to have the right policies in place: you need to ensure that all client documents are kept private and confidential; that you’re not breaching any anti-money-laundering procedures; that you have privacy policies in place; that you have good contractual terms with your clients and that they are also compliant with consumer law. It is also important to remember that employers are regulated and that you are required to have terms of employment in writing. Certain employment policies became mandatory too.
This is why I advise that you work with a good compliance officer to make sure you have all your bases covered – for your own peace of mind and that of your customers and clients.
It doesn’t take much to do this, but you would be surprised how often founders trip up here. For example, we have had instances where founders commission artwork for a logo or even a name for their brand, and then go ahead and use this without anyone first checking whether anything similar already exists. So it is very important to check the trade mark register before committing to any branding, so as to avoid having to redo all the work.
Intellectual property is another area where founders can stumble if they’re not aware of the pitfalls. The thing to be most aware of is that if you commission any creative work, the intellectual property rights belong to the creator, regardless of whether or not you have paid them for the work. It is therefore vital to have the rights assigned to you before you can register the IP.
Of course, it’s wonderful when you have strong working relationships with your co-founders, business partners and customers. But business is stressful, things change and relations with other shareholders and partners can sometimes turn sour despite the very best of intentions. And customers – may they be ever so friendly – can sometimes fail to pay for goods and services, leaving you high and dry if you haven’t taken steps to protect yourself.
This is where good contracts can help you avoid a world of financial and legal hurt. A proper shareholder agreement with co-founders and business partners is essential, as are contracts in writing with your customers, clearly stating that they will be liable for any legal costs if you have to resort to debt-recovery measures. Hope for the best but have protections in place for worst-case scenarios.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.