Legal Templates vs DIY vs Lawyers What’s worth it and when

Let’s be honest: legal can feel like one giant grey area.

You know you need contracts, policies, and protection in place, but between free downloads, DIY hacks, and lawyer quotes with too many zeroes…

You’re left wondering: 

What’s actually worth it?

Here’s how I break it down, because not all legal is created equal, and not all business stages need the same level of support.

This isn’t about selling you one option over the other.

It’s about helping you make the smartest call for where your business is right now—and where you’re headed.

DIY (aka Google, ChatGPT, or "I Frankensteined this together")

When it’s tempting:

• You’re just starting out and cash flow is tight
• You think, “how different can contracts really be?”
• You need something fast and free to send

Why it might work (for now):

• You’re testing your offer and not taking payment, sharing IP or confidential information yet
• You’re working with a friend or a beta group, and it’s low-risk
• You just want to start building momentum, not perfection

But here’s the risk:

❌ You don’t know what’s missing until something breaks

❌ You might accidentally waive your rights or misstate your obligations

❌ You’ll outgrow the DIY version fast, and it’s harder to clean up later

Bottom line:

DIY is like duct tape, cheap and fast, but not built to last. Use with extreme caution (and preferably not at all if you're charging money, sharing IP and confidential information about your business).

Lawyer-drafted legal templates (aka smart + strategic AF)

When they’re perfect:

• You’re charging for services, digital products, or programs
• You want clear protection and a professional process
• You need to move fast, but don’t want to cut corners
• You’re growing and want systems that scale

Why they work:

✅ Written by real lawyers (hi 👋)

✅ Clear, customisable, and industry-specific

✅ Cost-effective (without being legally flimsy)

✅ You own them for life—no recurring fees

✅ Designed for digital business models

Best for:

• Service providers
• Course creators + coaches
• Designers, copywriters, consultants
• Founders who want peace of mind and to look legit

Bottom line:

Templates bridge the gap between DIY and hiring a firm. You get protection, clarity, and confidence, without the $3K invoice.

3 Custom Legal with a Law Firm

When it’s ideal:

• You’re licensing IP, hiring employees, or raising investment
• You’re launching a complex program with multiple partners
• You’re restructuring, trademarking internationally, or planning for sale

Pros:

✅ You get tailored advice and custom clauses

✅ Lawyers handle the detail, risk, and compliance

✅ Long-term strategy support

Cons:

❌ You’ll pay $2K–$10K+ for a full custom setup

❌ Most firms don’t understand the digital business model

❌ It’s overkill for 90% of everyday online businesses

Bottom line:

Law firms are valuable for high-level legal architecture, but you don’t need to start there to run a professional, protected business.

So What’s Right For You?

Here’s how I usually break it down with clients: