How to Choose the Best Legal Plan for Small Businesses
By Monthly Legal Plans Team
Running a small business comes with many responsibilities—taxes, contracts, hiring, compliance, and protecting your brand. Having legal support can save you time, money, and stress. But with so many legal subscription services available, how do you know which one is best for your business? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing a monthly legal plan.
Why Small Businesses Need Legal Plans
Legal services are often viewed as expensive and only necessary in emergencies. But small business owners face legal issues more often than they realize:
- Drafting and reviewing contracts with clients, suppliers, or employees
- Setting up LLCs or corporations
- Handling disputes with customers or vendors
- Protecting intellectual property like trademarks
- Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws
A monthly legal plan can provide affordable access to attorneys and legal resources before problems become costly lawsuits.
What to Look for in a Legal Plan
Not all legal plans are created equal. Here are the most important features to evaluate:
- Attorney Access: Does the plan include unlimited consultations or only a limited number of calls per month?
- Document Review: Many small businesses rely heavily on contracts. Look for plans that include document review as part of the package.
- Trial Defense: Some providers, like LegalShield, include trial defense hours in case you are sued.
- Business Formation Services: If you’re just starting out, LLC or corporation setup services can save time and reduce mistakes.
- Industry-Specific Support: Some legal plans specialize in real estate, healthcare, or other industries. Consider whether that’s relevant to you.
Top Providers for Small Businesses
Here’s a quick overview of leading options for small business legal plans:
| Provider | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LegalShield | $49+ per month (Business Plans) | Ongoing attorney consultations, contract review, trial defense |
| Rocket Lawyer | $39.99/month | DIY legal documents with optional attorney support |
| LegalZoom | $34–$49/month (legal plans), plus business formation fees | Business formation, compliance, document filing |
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
- Define your needs—Do you need ongoing advice, or just help with specific documents?
- Compare pricing—Some plans are flat-rate, while others charge per document or service.
- Check coverage—Make sure the plan covers your state and industry.
- Read reviews—See what other small business owners say about attorney quality and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
For small businesses that want ongoing legal protection, LegalShield is often the most cost-effective choice. If you only need documents and one-time help, Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom may be better options. The right plan will depend on your budget, industry, and whether you prefer unlimited access or pay-as-you-go services.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no additional cost to you.