Thinking of Using LegalZoom to Start Your Business? Here’s Why You Should Consider a Local Attorney Instead

Entrepreneurship is booming across New York—and if you’re thinking about launching your own business or forming an LLC, it’s likely you’ve come across services like LegalZoom. At first glance, they seem appealing: affordable, fast, and easy to use.

But when it comes to laying the legal foundation for your business, what you don’t know can hurt you. LegalZoom might be able to fill out forms, but it can't give you the guidance and protection a real attorney can. Whether you’re starting a small retail store in Brockport, launching a consulting firm in Batavia, or forming a new real estate venture in Albion—having an attorney who understands New York law is critical.

LegalZoom Is Not a Law Firm

First and foremost, LegalZoom is not a law firm. That means they cannot give you legal advice, can’t customize your formation based on your goals, and won’t be there to answer follow-up questions after your forms are submitted.

In contrast, at Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC, we’re not just helping you file paperwork—we’re helping you build a business with a strong legal foundation. From LLC operating agreements to tax structure advice to succession planning, we’re by your side.

The Risks of Using an Online Service to Start Your Business

Online legal services are built to be generic. That might be fine for some situations—but not for starting a business, especially in New York where the rules vary from county to county and industry to industry. When you use a service like LegalZoom, you risk:

• Choosing the wrong business structure (LLC vs. S-Corp vs. Corporation)
• Not meeting New York’s publication requirements for LLCs
• Filing documents incorrectly with the NY Department of State
• Failing to draft a proper Operating Agreement—required for New York LLCs
• Missing vital licenses or local compliance obligations in Monroe, Orleans, or Genesee County

LegalZoom won’t warn you of any of these—and you may not realize the problem until it's too late.

You Need More Than Just an LLC Filing

Forming the LLC is just one step in the legal setup of your business. A local attorney can help with the entire launch process, including:

• Registering for federal tax IDs (EINs)
• Advising on employee classification and HR compliance
• Helping you prepare and secure proper contracts, leases, or vendor agreements
• Trademark guidance and intellectual property protection
• Business succession planning

These are things no online service can handle correctly—because they require legal strategy, not just data entry.

New York Has Unique Requirements for LLCs

One of the biggest pitfalls of using LegalZoom in New York is the state’s LLC publication requirement. When you form an LLC, you must publish notice in two newspapers designated by the County Clerk of the county where your office is located. If you skip this, your company may lose the right to do business in New York.

LegalZoom doesn’t always handle this properly. At our firm, we handle the entire publication process for clients throughout Monroe, Genesee, and Orleans Counties, ensuring you're compliant and your business is protected.

There’s No Legal Strategy with LegalZoom

One of the biggest downsides of LegalZoom is that there’s no thought given to your goals, your risks, or your future. Are you forming this business with a partner? Are you planning to sell one day? Do you need liability protections for real estate holdings or rental property?

When you work with a business attorney, you get a legal strategy, not just a document. At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC, we help you anticipate challenges, structure ownership properly, and avoid costly mistakes.

You're Building a Business—Not Just Filling Out a Form

Starting a business is exciting—but it’s also complex. Getting the legal side right from the beginning can save you thousands of dollars, hours of frustration, and potential legal disputes down the road.

We help Western New York entrepreneurs:

• Form their LLCs and corporations correctly
• Draft legally sound and enforceable operating agreements/bylaws
• Address partnership and ownership issues
• Navigate state, county, and local compliance
• Protect personal assets through proper structuring

That’s peace of mind you won’t get with an online service.

We Know the Local Landscape

If you’re starting a business in Brockport, Batavia, Albion, or the surrounding areas, working with a local attorney gives you the advantage of real knowledge of your market and the legal nuances specific to our counties and industries.

Whether you're opening a local café, launching a side hustle, forming a property management LLC, or starting a farm-to-table business, we’re here to help guide you.

Real Business Help, Right Here in Your Community

At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC, we’re not a faceless form on the internet. We’re a trusted legal team that has helped families and business owners in Western New York for generations. We’re here when you have questions, when your business grows, or when you need to pivot—and we stay with you long after the paperwork is filed.

Skip the shortcuts. Choose strategy. Choose protection. Choose a team who knows your name.

Ready to Start Your Business the Right Way?

If you're ready to form an LLC, corporation, or other business entity in New York, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and ensure your legal foundation is solid.

Contact Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC today or call (585) 637-3911 to schedule your consultation. We’re proud to serve Monroe, Genesee, and Orleans Counties—and we’re ready to help you launch with confidence.

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Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about legal considerations when starting a business in New York State. It is not a substitute for legal advice. Each situation is unique and requires tailored guidance. For personalized advice, consult with the attorneys at Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC in Brockport, NY. Portions of this article may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under the New York State Unified Court System Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.