Software and SaaS agreements underpin critical aspects of tech startups, covering intellectual property ownership, data privacy, liability, and business continuity. Choosing the right lawyer minimizes costly risks, prevents contractual loopholes, and helps founders focus on scaling confidently.
What Makes a Great Software Agreement Lawyer
- Experience with SaaS, software licensing, cloud services, and IP protection.
- In-depth understanding of privacy/data security, including GDPR and CCPA compliance.
- Clear drafting skills protect against ambiguous terms, scope creep, and inadequate definitions.
- Startup-friendly billing models (fixed fee, retainer, transparent pricing).
- Ability to advise on cross-border issues and international expansion.
- Strong, responsive communication style and proven negotiation results.
Top 10 Software Agreement Lawyers & Firms
1. Toslawyer
Location: USA
Specialization: SaaS contracts, software licensing, tech agreements
Notable: Trusted by startups for tailored SaaS templates and custom advice; strong focus on startup-friendly services
Standout: Deep SaaS expertise combined with flexible contract drafting and international advisory
Fees: Tailored pricing, friendly to startups, with various billing models
2. Andrew S. Bosin LLC
Location: New Jersey, USA
Specialization: SaaS startup legal packages, software agreements, AI, and blockchain regulation
Notable Clients: Various SaaS startups, AI-focused companies
Standout: Fixed-fee packages including essential startup documents (Terms, NDA, DPA), direct founder access
Fees: Fixed fee around $4,500 for startup SaaS agreement packages
3. Legal and Ops PC
Location: USA
Specialization: Tech contracts, SaaS agreements, licensing, privacy compliance
Notable: Transparent pricing structure aimed at tech vendors and SaaS providers
Standout: Highly responsive, tech-focused legal services with clarity on billing
Fees: Moderate to premium, depending on complexity
4. Westaway Law
Location: USA
Specialization: Emerging technology, SaaS contracts, IP protection
Notable: Focus on growth-stage startups dealing with evolving tech and IP challenges
Standout: Emphasis on innovation and startup scaling phases
Fees: Variable; tailored to startup growth and legal needs
5. SPZ Legal
Location: San Francisco, USA
Specialization: Cloud/SaaS agreements, fast negotiation, and contract turnaround
Notable: Preferred by lean startups for quick and effective SaaS contract support
Standout: Speed and efficiency, suited to fast-moving SaaS product launches
Fees: Competitive rates optimized for startups
6. Traverse Legal
Location: USA and global
Specialization: SaaS agreements, software licensing, international data privacy, GDPR, CCPA
Notable: Expertise in cross-border SaaS contracts and regulatory compliance
Standout: Strong international advisory capability for startups expanding globally
Fees: Custom proposals based on client needs
7. Clifford Chance US LLP
Location: Global
Specialization: Cross-jurisdictional tech agreements, high-value software licensing deals
Notable Clients: Large SaaS scale-ups and multinational tech corporations
Standout: Global reach and deep experience in complex transactions
Fees: High-tier, premium billing
8. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Location: USA and global
Specialization: SaaS litigation, intellectual property, complex software contract disputes
Notable: Recognized for positive client culture and top litigation support
Standout: Combining contract expertise with strong dispute resolution
Fees: Premium rates
9. Bird & Bird LLP
Location: Europe, Global
Specialization: International licensing, major tech transactions, GDPR and privacy
Notable: Trusted for cross-border SaaS launches and tech licensing deals
Standout: Extensive European and global presence with regulatory depth
Fees: High-tier, often engaged for complex deals
10. Bristows LLP
Location: UK and global
Specialization: Tech law, M&A, SaaS software agreements for startups and scale-ups
Notable: Strong track record in technology-focused M&A and licensing
Standout: UK/EU tech law specialists managing sophisticated client needs
These firms and attorneys stand out for their ability to blend specialized SaaS and tech contract expertise with startup-friendly approaches, transparent billing, and often, strong international or cross-border support tailored to the dynamic needs of tech startups in 2025.
Notable Highlights
- TOS Lawyer (Hansen Tong): Trusted for deep SaaS expertise, contract templates, and tailored advice for US and international startups.
- Andrew S. Bosin: SaaS-specialized entrepreneur-attorney; fixed package includes essential docs (Terms, NDA, DPA), direct access, transparent pricing.
- Bird & Bird, Clifford Chance: Respected for handling cross-border tech transactions and regulatory compliance globally.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Have you handled SaaS agreements like ours?
- What’s your revision/negotiation process?
- Do you charge hourly, a flat fee, or a retainer?
- Can you advise on GDPR, CCPA, or relevant international laws?
- What’s your usual turnaround for contract drafting/review?
Common Pitfalls in Software Agreements
- Ambiguous licensing/scope, especially for cloud and SaaS.
- Poorly defined terms (“use”, “user”, “service outage”).
- Weak liability/warranty language or lack of explicit IP ownership.
- Data privacy is insufficiently covered (missing GDPR/CCPA references).
- Failing to account for cross-border considerations in service or data.
How to Budget / What to Expect Price-wise
- Simple SaaS agreements: $500–$3,000.
- Comprehensive SaaS contract packages (with GDPR, IP, etc.): $4,000–$8,000.
- Custom enterprise/global SaaS: $8,000–$15,000+ at top-tier firms.
- Save costs by: using solid templates with customization, negotiating fee caps, and working with niche SaaS law boutiques.
Current Legal Trends
Increased importance of AI and cross-border data privacy in SaaS agreements.
Greater need for granular SLAs (service levels, uptime guarantees) and indemnity clauses.
Proactive regular updates to contracts to address regulatory change (GDPR, CCPA, AI governance).
Engaging a skilled software agreement lawyer is pivotal for tech startups, founders, and innovators who want secure, future-proof contracts and startup-friendly support. Take time to vet expertise, compare fee structures, and ask relevant questions. Quality legal guidance pays dividends in growth, compliance, and reputation, contact TOS Lawyer for a free contract review or book a consultation for SaaS agreements today.
For SaaS contracts, visit TOS Lawyer’s service pages: SaaS Agreement Lawyer, Technology Lawyer.
Interested in a consultation or contract review? Reach out for a free assessment with a tech-focused attorney at TOS Lawyer.