[rdin]

I think the point of the article is "In order to use your financial and legal counsel less, you're going to have to self-educate."

Note that the author says to use professional services less, but does not say to completely eliminate them. The more you can learn yourself, the less "research" your lawyer has to do, saving you money.

[ronp]

Definitely educate yourself, but don't forget what your core business and get distracted trying to do everything yourself. The services you hire - whether legal, artistic, development, accounting - can be force multipliers for you. Believe it or not there are attorneys out there who have experience as technologists and entrepreneurs that can keep you out of hot water. Find one that you can develop a good working relationship with and you won't get nickeled and dimed for every phone call (I take a lot of questions over the phone or email, many I can answer in a couple of minutes and don't charge for).

Just like any other business, there are those out there that want to drain the entire LVA in the first month. The good ones will help you develop that relationship that helps you maximize the value you get from your attorney.

Make sure you understand how the attorney bills for services. If you're not sure, ask - "do you charge for phone calls" - "do you bill actual time or six minute increments" - "will you discount your rate if I pay early?" Get those in writing in the retainer agreement.