About Forthlaw.
Technology-powered legal services with direct access to experienced counsel. No bloat, no middlemen—just what founders need.
Our Mission
To make quality legal services accessible to bootstrapped founders by combining legal expertise, technical know-how, and entrepreneurial experience.
Accessibility
Legal services should be within reach for bootstrapped founders, not just well-funded startups.
Transparency
Clear pricing, straightforward communication, and no legal jargon.
Practicality
Focused on what bootstrapped founders actually need, not unnecessary legal complexity.
Meet the Founder
Haseeb Qureshi (HQ) is a unique combination of lawyer, coder, and entrepreneur. This rare blend of skills allows him to understand the legal, technical, and business challenges that bootstrapped founders face.
Legal Expertise
Tennessee licensed attorney since 2011, specializing in startup and entrepreneurial law with experience helping founders navigate legal complexities.
Technical Know-How
Self-taught full-stack developer since 2000, with a software patent in the live music realm and firsthand experience building technical products.
Entrepreneurial Experience
Founded multiple ventures including Audiohand (music technology) and now Forthlaw, bringing a founder's perspective to legal services.
HQ holds a B.S. in Business & Psychology from Carnegie Mellon and a J.D. from University of Tennessee College of Law. His diverse background also includes working as a studio manager in Los Angeles and as a music recording engineer.
The Forthlaw Origin Story
11 years ago as a founder, I received a $10,000 quote from a law firm for basic startup legal work. My entire funding at the time was only $10,000.
"I eventually found an attorney who agreed to do it for $1,500, but the work was riddled with errors. As both a lawyer and entrepreneur, I knew there had to be a better way."
This experience revealed a critical gap in the legal services market. Bootstrapped founders deserve quality legal work at affordable prices. Forthlaw was created to fill that gap, ensuring no founder has to compromise on legal protection just because they're not venture-backed.
The truth is, good startup lawyers are scarce. Many attorneys claim to serve entrepreneurs, but few truly understand the unique challenges, constraints, and opportunities that startups face. Even fewer can provide proper legal guidance without breaking a bootstrapped founder's budget.
What Makes Forthlaw Different
Founder's Perspective
Having been a bootstrapped founder myself, I understand the unique challenges and constraints you face. Forthlaw's services are designed from a founder's perspective.
Technical Understanding
As a developer, I understand the technical aspects of your business. No need to explain basic concepts like APIs, SaaS models, or software licensing.
Transparent Pricing
No billing surprises or hourly rates that incentivize inefficiency. Forthlaw offers fixed-fee packages so you know exactly what you're getting and how much it costs.
True Startup Expertise
Many lawyers claim to help startups but lack real understanding of startup challenges. With both entrepreneurial and legal experience, I provide guidance that's actually relevant to your business stage and model.
Community Involvement
HQ is deeply involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing insights and connections from these roles to benefit Forthlaw clients.
Director of Startup Studio
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Leading an on-campus startup incubator at the University of Tennessee
Lecturer
Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee
Teaching entrepreneurship and management
Former Director
Big Ears Festival
Served on the board of an acclaimed music festival
Former Advisory Member
KUB Community Advisory Panel
Advised the local power utility
Former Member
Mayor's Maker City Council
Helped shape policy for local makers and entrepreneurs
Professional Timeline
- January 2023
Founded Forthlaw to make quality legal services accessible to bootstrapped founders
CareerEntrepreneurship - 2011 - Present
Tennessee licensed attorney specializing in startup and entrepreneurial law
CareerLaw - 2011
Became a Tennessee licensed attorney
CareerLaw - 2007 - 2011
Studied at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville, TN, earning J.D.
EducationLaw - 2000
Began self-teaching coding and software development
SkillsTechnology
Ready to get started with Forthlaw?
Complete our intake form to help us understand your startup's legal needs.