As the digital economy continues to expand, having robust Terms of Service (ToS) agreements has become essential for any website or online platform. Whether you are launching a SaaS startup, e-commerce store, or content platform, the right legal framework protects your business from liability while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. This comprehensive guide examines the top lawyers and law firms specializing in website Terms of Service drafting in 2025.
Why Terms of Service Are Critical for Any Website
Terms of Service agreements serve as the legal foundation between your business and users. They define acceptable use, limit liability, establish jurisdiction for disputes, and set clear boundaries for user behavior. Without proper ToS documentation, businesses face significant risks:
- Unlimited liability exposure for user-generated content and platform misuse
- Lack of legal recourse when users violate platform rules
- Compliance vulnerabilities with data protection laws like GDPR and CCPA
- Difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights and payment terms
- Regulatory scrutiny from consumer protection agencies
Recent data from Contracts Counsel shows that website terms and conditions agreement drafting costs average $960 across all states, but working with specialized lawyers can provide significantly more value and protection.
What to Look for in a Good TOS Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney for Terms of Service drafting requires evaluating several key criteria:
- Technology Law Experience: Look for lawyers who understand online business models, SaaS agreements, and digital platform regulations. Generic contract lawyers often miss critical technology-specific clauses.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Your lawyer should be current on privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA), accessibility requirements (ADA compliance), and emerging AI regulations.
- Plain English Communication: The best ToS lawyers can translate complex legal concepts into clear, enforceable language that both protects your business and remains user-friendly.
- Industry Specialization: Different online businesses have unique needs. E-commerce platforms require different protections than social media sites or SaaS applications.
- Pricing Transparency: Top lawyers offer clear fee structures, whether fixed-fee packages or transparent hourly rates.
Top 10 Lawyers for Website Terms of Service Drafting
1. Hansen Tong, Esq. – TOS Lawyer
Location: West Hollywood, CA (Licensed in California)
Specialization: Internet Law, Terms of Service, Privacy Policies, SaaS Agreements
Hansen Tong stands out as the premier specialist in Terms of Service and online legal agreements. With deep expertise in internet law, online marketing compliance, and privacy regulations, Tong has built TOS Lawyer into the go-to firm for technology companies seeking specialized legal protection.
Key Strengths:
- Exclusive Focus: Unlike generalist firms, TOS
- Lawyer specializes exclusively in Terms of Service, privacy policies, and SaaS agreements
- Technology Background: Hansen’s previous experience as a sub-project manager at Northrop Grumman Space Technology, managing over $40 million in components, provides unique insight into tech business operations
- Comprehensive Services: Covers Terms of Service, privacy policies, copyright policies, SaaS agreements, and intellectual property protection
Notable Expertise: Online defamation, trademark and copyright law, cyber gambling litigation
2. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati – Technology Transactions Group
Location: Multiple offices (Silicon Valley, New York, Washington D.C.)
Specialization: Technology transactions, startup law, venture capital
Wilson Sonsini is a multinational law firm specializing in business, securities, venture capital, and intellectual property law. Their Technology Transactions Group handles Terms of Service, EULAs, and privacy policies for major tech companies.
Key Strengths:
- Extensive experience with Fortune 500 technology companies
- Deep regulatory knowledge across multiple jurisdictions
- Strong venture capital connections
- Comprehensive technology law practice
3. Cooley LLP – Technology & Life Sciences
Location: Global offices, including Palo Alto, Boston, and New York.
Specialization: Emerging companies, technology transactions, privacy law
Cooley is recognized as a leading firm for startups and early-stage companies. According to Vault rankings, Cooley is “ideal for attorneys seeking cutting-edge work with innovative clients” and consistently ranks among the top privacy and data security firms.
Key Strengths:
- Strong reputation in emerging company representation
- Excellent privacy and cybersecurity practice
- Global reach with specialized technology focus
- Experienced in handling cross-border compliance
4. Fenwick & West LLP
Location: Silicon Valley, Seattle, San Francisco
Specialization: Technology companies, venture capital, startup formation
Founded in 1972, Fenwick & West has been involved with technology companies since Silicon Valley’s early days. They currently represent 1,500+ VC-backed companies and serve as primary counsel to 100+ companies with valuations over $1B.
Key Strengths:
- Deep Silicon Valley roots and connections
- Extensive emerging company practice
- Strong digital media and entertainment expertise
- Proven track record with high-growth technology companies
5. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Location: Global presence with strong U.S. technology practice
Specialization: Technology innovation, Internet of Things, privacy law
Orrick’s global technology platform helps clients navigate the fast-paced technology landscape. They have particular expertise in Internet of Things legal issues, including data privacy and ownership concerns.
Key Strengths:
- International scope and regulatory expertise
- Innovation-focused legal solutions
- Strong IoT and emerging technology practice
- Comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity capabilities
6. Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian
Location: Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York, Boston
Specialization: Emerging companies, venture capital, startup formation
Gunderson Dettmer is recognized as “the preeminent law firm for startups, emerging companies, and venture capital.” They rank #1 in Vault’s emerging companies/venture capital rankings and maintain extensive experience with early-stage companies.
Key Strengths:
- Exclusive focus on emerging companies
- Deep venture capital relationships
- Proven expertise in startup legal needs
- Strong reputation in the technology sector
7. Morrison & Foerster LLP (MoFo)
Location: 17 offices throughout the US, Asia, and Europe.
Specialization: Technology transactions, global technology law
Morrison & Foerster has been named a leading firm for technology by Chambers USA 2025. Their technology transactions practice handles complex agreements for global technology companies.
Key Strengths:
- International expertise and global presence
- Strong technology transactions practice
- Comprehensive regulatory knowledge
- Experience with large-scale technology implementations
8. Goodwin Procter LLP
Location: Boston, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.
Specialization: Technology companies, fintech, emerging growth companies
Goodwin’s Technology practice provides strategic counsel to technology businesses, founders, and investors. They have particular strength in new company formation services and fintech legal services.
Key Strengths:
- Full-service technology company representation
- Strong fintech and financial services expertise
- Comprehensive emerging company practice
- Strategic business counsel alongside legal services
9. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Location: 16 offices with a strong U.S. technology presence
Specialization: Technology and media, cybersecurity, Internet, and social media
Pillsbury’s Internet & Social Media Practice specifically handles “terms of use, privacy policies, terms and conditions” alongside their comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection practice.
Key Strengths:
- Dedicated Internet and social media legal practice
- Strong cybersecurity and privacy expertise
- International data transfer capabilities
- Privacy + AI Lab for emerging technology issues
10. DLA Piper – Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity
Location: Global firm with extensive U.S. presence
Specialization: Data privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions
DLA Piper’s Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity team has “provided input on every piece of major US state consumer privacy, biometrics, breach notice, and student privacy legislation.” They shape privacy and security laws globally.
Key Strengths:
- Leading global privacy law practice
- Extensive regulatory expertise
- International compliance capabilities
- Strong government relations and policy influence
How to Choose the Right TOS Lawyer for Your Website
The ideal Terms of Service lawyer depends on several factors specific to your business:
- For Early-Stage Startups: Consider specialized practices like TOS Lawyer or emerging company groups at firms like Cooley and Gunderson Dettmer. These lawyers understand startup constraints and offer appropriate pricing.
- For SaaS Companies: Look for lawyers with specific SaaS agreement experience. Hansen Tong’s exclusive focus on software agreements makes TOS Lawyer particularly suitable for this sector.
- For E-commerce Platforms: Choose lawyers familiar with consumer protection laws, payment processing regulations, and cross-border commerce. Firms like Wilson Sonsini and Pillsbury have extensive e-commerce experience.
- For Global Operations: International firms like DLA Piper, Morrison Foerster, and Orrick provide the regulatory knowledge needed for multi-jurisdictional compliance.
What a Good Terms of Service Should Include
Regardless of which lawyer you choose, ensure your Terms of Service covers these essential elements:
- User Rights and Obligations: Clear definitions of acceptable use, prohibited activities, and user responsibilities.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Copyright ownership, DMCA compliance procedures, and trademark protections.
- Limitation of Liability: Appropriate disclaimers and liability caps that protect your business while remaining enforceable.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Integration with privacy policy requirements and compliance with applicable data protection laws.
- Dispute Resolution: Jurisdiction clauses, arbitration requirements, and governing law provisions.
- Termination Procedures: Clear processes for account suspension, service termination, and data retention.
- Payment and Billing Terms: Subscription management, refund policies, and billing dispute procedures.
Why TOS Lawyer Leads the Field
While all the lawyers and firms listed above provide quality Terms of Service drafting, Hansen Tong’s TOS Lawyer offers distinct advantages:
- Specialized Expertise: Unlike general practice firms, TOSLawyer focuses exclusively on Terms of Service, privacy policies, and related online agreements. This specialization ensures deep knowledge of current best practices and emerging issues.
- Technology Industry Understanding: Hansen’s background managing complex technology projects provides practical insight into how online businesses actually operate, leading to more practical and enforceable agreements.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: TOS Lawyer’s focused practice model allows for competitive pricing while maintaining high-quality legal work, making professional Terms of Service drafting accessible to startups and growing companies.
- Comprehensive Service Offering: From basic Terms of Service to complex SaaS agreements, TOS Lawyer handles the full spectrum of online legal documentation needs.
- Rapid Turnaround: Specialised focus enables faster delivery without sacrificing quality, crucial for fast-moving technology companies.
Terms of Service agreements form the legal foundation of every online business. While template generators and DIY solutions may seem cost-effective, the complexity of modern privacy laws, platform liability issues, and cross-border commerce requirements makes professional legal counsel essential.
The lawyers and firms listed in this guide represent the top tier of Terms of Service expertise in 2025. For businesses seeking specialized knowledge, competitive pricing, and deep technology industry understanding, Hansen Tong’s TOS Lawyer stands out as the premier choice. For larger enterprises or companies with complex international requirements, traditional technology law firms provide comprehensive capabilities and established reputations.
Ready to protect your website with professional Terms of Service? Contact the lawyers listed above to discuss your specific needs and get quotes for customized legal documentation that protects your business and supports your growth objectives.