[canadapups]

> I'd chance it.

Without consulting a lawyer, you don't know what you are chancing. I hardly call that a good bet.

Not knowing how to get a lawyer or accountant is not a good excuse for not consulting one.

If you consult a lawyer for 1 project, you do learn from the lawyer and become a bit more knowledgeable for the next project and may not need to consult a lawyer a second time if the new project is similar.

[jschwartzi]

Maybe you could explain how to consult a lawyer or accountant instead. That would actually be really helpful for a lot of people who have never needed to retain a lawyer or accountant, don't know what to look for, and have no idea where to even begin to do so.

[canadapups]

ok, good suggestion.

Step 1 - Find a Lawyer:

1a. Ask people you know. For example, if at a company, maybe you can ask the legal dept for a referral for your personal project. Lawyers know lawyers. Even a divorce or real-estate lawyer will know other lawyers in different specialties or reputations of firms. Ask bankers, dentists, any small business people, etc. - they use lawyers too.

1b. Use Google. Call 5 lawyers and setup a meeting to meet them.

Step 2 - Interview them:

Interview them like you interview any potential employee. What is their experience with small IT projects? Are you small potatoes to them? What are their fees? Do they have legal associates to do the grunt work for cheaper than a legal partner (partner will still review and be responsible)? What do they suggest you to do for your side project? Ask why to see if they can explain themselves well. How well do you communicate with them? Do they respond to your emails or telephone calls quickly? Do they have other partners who can cover for them when they go on holidays or are busy with other urgent cases? Can they let you do some of the work such as incorporating and registering a trade name because it is easy (to keep legal fees low)?

Step 3 - Evaluate them:

As they work, get them send you all their documents. Read the legalese and ask more questions. Do they still explain themselves well. How long do they take to do the work? Attention to detail is important. If their work sucks or you don't communicate well with them go find a new lawyer.

[Robotbeat]

...in other words, side projects only for the rich who can afford to hire a lawyer.

(This can't be the actual answer, can it?)

[riku_iki]

> Not knowing how to get a lawyer or accountant is not a good excuse for not consulting one.

Lawyers and accountants industries are whole mess on its own. When you come to lawyer/accountant, he is really interested to charge you as much as he can, which creates a lot of conflicts of interests, and whatever he is saying to you can't really harm him.

One has to take calculated risks, and do research on his own to not be screwed by lawyers/accountants.