Laymans for Small Business Owners
You built your business. You shouldn't need a law firm on retainer just to protect it.
Small businesses face constant legal challenges: vendor disputes, customer contracts, employment issues, collections on unpaid invoices, lease negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Traditional law firms charge $200-500/hour for work that often feels like filling in blanks. Laymans changes that.
Our AI assistant Leyla helps you create professional contracts, demand letters, dispute responses, and litigation documents - pulling from your own business records and industry templates. You maintain control of your legal strategy while accessing affordable services when you need expert review.
=� Quick Start Guides for Business Owners
- Getting Started - Set up your account and encryption
- Your First Case - Create your first business document
- Document Management - Organize contracts, invoices, and records
What Small Businesses Use Laymans For
| Business Need | What Laymans Provides | Example Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor Contracts | Draft, negotiate, and manage agreements with suppliers | Service agreements, purchase orders, NDAs |
| Collections | Demand payment on unpaid invoices professionally | Demand letters, payment plans, small claims filings |
| Customer Disputes | Respond to complaints and chargebacks | Dispute responses, settlement agreements, refund policies |
| Employment Issues | Handle hiring, termination, and workplace conflicts | Offer letters, termination notices, independent contractor agreements |
| Lease Negotiations | Review and negotiate commercial leases | Lease amendments, rent dispute letters, sublease agreements |
| Regulatory Compliance | Respond to government notices and violations | Response letters, compliance documentation, appeals |
Create Business Contracts with AI
Stop paying $500+ for boilerplate contracts. Laymans includes a library of 600+ curated contract templates covering common business transactions - each one reviewed for quality and adapted for AI-assisted customization.
Contract Template Library
Our template library spans the full range of business legal documents:
Vendor & Supplier Agreements
- Service agreements
- Master service agreements (MSAs)
- Purchase orders and supply contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
- Exclusivity and distribution agreements
- Consulting agreements
- Reseller and referral agreements
Customer & Sales Contracts
- Terms of service / Terms of use
- Sales agreements and purchase contracts
- Subscription and SaaS agreements
- Return/refund/cancellation policies
- Warranty and guarantee agreements
- Settlement and release agreements
- Payment plans and installment contracts
Employment & HR Documents
- Offer letters (exempt and non-exempt)
- Employment agreements
- Independent contractor agreements (1099)
- Commission and bonus structures
- Confidentiality and IP assignment
- Termination and separation agreements
- Severance packages with releases
- Non-compete agreements (where enforceable)
Real Estate & Leases
- Commercial lease agreements
- Sublease and assignment agreements
- Lease amendments and extensions
- Rent reduction requests
- Early termination agreements
- Security deposit agreements
- Personal guarantees
Business Operations
- Partnership and LLC operating agreements
- Buy-sell agreements
- Shareholder agreements
- Joint venture agreements
- Licensing agreements
- Franchise agreements
- Asset purchase agreements
Intellectual Property
- Copyright assignments and licenses
- Trademark licensing
- Software licensing (end-user, commercial)
- Work-for-hire agreements
- IP assignment provisions
Finding the Right Template
When you start a case, tell Leyla what you need ("I need a service agreement for a marketing consultant") and she'll pull the most relevant template from the library, then customize it based on your specific situation.
Three ways to build your contract:
- Talk to Leyla - Conversational drafting with AI
- Use the Details Form - Edit contract variables directly
- Use the Text Editor - Write with AI-assisted editing and clauses
How Leyla Creates Business Contracts
- You provide the business context - Tell Leyla what the agreement is for, who the parties are, and what you need protected
- Attach your existing documents - Reference previous contracts, invoices, or correspondence as Casefiles
- Leyla structures the contract - Our AI pulls standard clauses from industry templates in Briefcases
- You customize and refine - Edit in our collaborative text editor
- Get it certified - Finalize with notarization or verification when needed
Pro Tip: Build Your Contract Library
Create a Briefcase with your company's standard clauses - payment terms, liability limits, dispute resolution processes. Leyla will reuse these across all your contracts for consistency.
Start now: How to Start a Case
Collections & Demand Letters
Owed money? Get professional collection letters without hiring a law firm.
The Collections Process on Laymans
| Stage | What You Create | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Demand | Formal payment demand letter with invoice details | Customer acknowledges debt, arranges payment |
| Follow-up Notice | Second notice with payment deadline and consequences | Payment received or customer requests payment plan |
| Final Demand | Letter threatening legal action or credit reporting | Payment or negotiated settlement |
| Small Claims | Court complaint filing (if debt is under your state's limit) | Court judgment for amount owed |
How Leyla Helps with Collections
- Pulls from your records - Attach the unpaid invoice as a Casefile; Leyla extracts amount, dates, and services rendered
- Calculates interest - Automatically computes late fees and interest based on your contract terms or state law
- Professional tone - Balances firmness with professionalism to preserve business relationships when possible
- Legal compliance - Follows Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requirements
- Escalation strategy - Suggests next steps based on customer response (or lack thereof)
Don't Skip Documentation
Before demanding payment, create a Casefile containing:
- Original invoice(s)
- Contract or terms of service
- Proof of delivery/service completion
- Previous payment reminders
- Any customer correspondence
This documentation is critical if you eventually file in small claims court.
Start now: Create a Demand Letter Case
Vendor & Customer Disputes
Disputes happen. A supplier delivers defective goods. A customer refuses to pay claiming poor service. A contractor doesn't finish the job.
What You Can Handle on Laymans
Vendor Disputes
- Breach of contract notices
- Quality defect complaints
- Delivery failure claims
- Price dispute letters
- Contract cancellation notices
Customer Disputes
- Chargeback responses
- Service complaint responses
- Refund denial justifications
- Liability disclaimers
- Settlement offers
Dispute Resolution Strategy
- Document everything - Upload all correspondence, contracts, and evidence to a Casefile
- Draft initial response - Create a Letter case responding to the complaint
- Negotiate settlement - Use Leyla to draft settlement terms that protect your business
- Escalate if needed - Convert to litigation if negotiation fails
Business Relationship Preservation
Leyla can help you draft responses that are firm on your rights but leave room for settlement - important when you may need to do business with this party again.
Employment Documents & Workplace Issues
Hiring, managing, and sometimes parting with employees requires legal documentation.
What Small Business Owners Create
| Employment Situation | Documents Needed | How Laymans Helps |
|---|---|---|
| New Hire | Offer letter, employment agreement, confidentiality agreement | Templates customized to your business and role requirements |
| Independent Contractors | 1099 contractor agreement, scope of work, payment terms | Ensures proper classification to avoid misclassification penalties |
| Performance Issues | Written warnings, performance improvement plans | Documents issues properly for potential termination defense |
| Termination | Termination letter, severance agreement, release of claims | Protects against wrongful termination lawsuits |
| Workplace Disputes | Investigation reports, disciplinary actions, accommodation letters | Complies with EEOC and labor law requirements |
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Employment lawsuits are the #1 legal risk for small businesses. The average settlement is $40,000-$125,000. Proper documentation from day one:
- Establishes at-will employment clearly
- Documents performance issues before termination
- Proves compliance with labor laws (meal breaks, overtime, accommodations)
- Creates defensible record if sued for discrimination or retaliation
At-Will Employment Isn't a Shield
Even in at-will states, you can be sued for wrongful termination based on discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy. Document everything.
Start now: Create Employment Documents
Organize All Your Business Records
Scattered contracts, invoices, and legal notices cost you time and money. Casefiles give you encrypted, searchable storage for everything legal.
What to Store in Casefiles
Financial Records
- Invoices (paid and unpaid)
- Payment receipts
- Payment plans
- Tax documents
- Banking statements for disputes
Contracts & Agreements
- Vendor contracts
- Customer agreements
- Leases
- Loan documents
- Partnership agreements
Regulatory & Compliance
- Business licenses
- Permits
- Insurance policies
- Government notices
- Inspection reports
Correspondence
- Demand letters sent/received
- Dispute communications
- Attorney consultations
- Settlement negotiations
- Customer complaints
Advanced Casefile Features for Business
- Mass Upload - Bulk upload years of contracts and invoices
- Court Record Lookups - Check if vendors or customers have litigation history
- Video Conferencing - Meet with attorneys or mediate disputes securely
- Public Records - Verify business registrations, liens, judgments
Create Casefiles by Matter
Organize by project, not document type:
- "ABC Supplier Dispute 2024"
- "Commercial Lease - 123 Main St"
- "Employee John Doe Termination"
- "Customer Refund Dispute - Invoice 5678"
When you create a Case, you can attach the entire Casefile as context.
Start now: What is a Casefile? | Create a Casefile
Affordable Legal Services When You Need Them
Sometimes you need expert review. Laymans connects you with attorneys offering transparent, fixed-price services.
Services Small Businesses Purchase
| Service Type | Typical Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Review | Review vendor agreement before signing | $200-$500 |
| Demand Letter Review | Attorney reviews/sends collection letter | $150-$350 |
| Employment Compliance | Review termination documentation | $250-$600 |
| Litigation Consultation | 1-hour strategy session for dispute | $150-$400 |
| Settlement Negotiation | Attorney negotiates on your behalf | $500-$1,500 |
| Court Representation | Representation in small claims or limited hearings | $750-$2,500 |
How to Find Business Attorneys
- Localize to your area - Filter to attorneys licensed in your state/county
- Filter by issue - Business law, employment, contracts, collections
- Compare pricing - See fixed prices upfront, no hidden fees
- Review attorney profiles - Check experience with small businesses
- Purchase services - Pay directly or use campaign funding
Share Your Draft First
Before purchasing attorney review, create the document yourself using Leyla. Share it when you book the service. This saves attorney time (= lower fees) and gives you more control over the content.
Start now: How to Purchase Services
Raise Funds for Legal Costs
Big legal battle threatening your business? Use Laymans to fund your defense or offensive litigation.
Funding Options for Business Owners
Campaigns (Crowdfunding)
- Public fundraising for legal fees
- Tell your business story
- Accept pledges from customers, community, investors
- Funds convert when you purchase legal services
Case Funds
- Apply for institutional funding
- Litigation financiers review case merits
- Grants or contingency arrangements
- Professional funding for strong cases
When to Seek Funding
- Defending your business - Wrongful lawsuit threatening operations
- Major contract dispute - Vendor owes you six figures
- Employment lawsuit - Former employee suing for discrimination
- IP protection - Defending trademark or patent infringement
- Class action potential - Your issue affects many businesses (join a Movement)
Campaign Transparency
Campaigns are public but don't reveal legal strategy. Share your business story and why you're fighting, but keep case details private until you're ready. You control what information is visible.
Start now: Raising Legal Funds Workflow
Join Business Owner Movements
Is a larger company exploiting small businesses systematically? Join a Movement - the organizing before a class action.
Business-Focused Movements
Movements on Laymans bundle legal resources, shared templates, and collective funding to address issues affecting multiple businesses:
- Supplier fraud or breach - Multiple businesses harmed by same vendor
- Payment processor disputes - Wrongful account freezes, held funds
- Franchisor abuse - Franchise agreement violations
- Platform deactivations - Uber, DoorDash, Amazon seller account issues
- Insurance claim denials - Business insurance disputes
- Predatory lending - Merchant cash advance or loan violations
What You Get by Joining
- Shared legal resources - Templates, research, expert analysis
- Collective bargaining - Negotiate as a group for better outcomes
- Lower legal fees - Attorneys represent multiple plaintiffs at reduced rates
- Anonymized collaboration - Work with other business owners securely
- Potential settlement share - If Movement leads to class action or settlement
Small Business = Individual Rights
You can participate in Movements both as a business owner AND as an individual if you've been personally harmed (e.g., wage theft if you had to work unpaid, discrimination as a business owner).
Start now: How to Apply to a Movement
Track Your Legal Expenses
Know where every legal dollar goes. Laymans provides expense tracking and budgeting tools.
- View all legal fees - Service purchases, attorney consultations, filing fees
- Categorize by matter - Track spending per case or legal issue
- Export for accounting - Download records for tax purposes or reimbursement
- Budget alerts - Set spending limits per case
Tax Deductions
Legal fees for business disputes, contracts, and regulatory compliance are typically tax-deductible business expenses. Keep detailed records in Laymans for your accountant.
Secure Your Business Documents
Legal documents contain sensitive information. Laymans provides encryption and verification services.
Security Features
- End-to-end encryption - Contracts, financial records, and correspondence encrypted
- Multi-device access - Securely access from office computer, phone, home
- Backup recovery - Restore encrypted data if device fails
- Document verification - Prove contracts haven't been altered
Why This Matters
- Client confidentiality - Protect customer information in disputes
- Trade secrets - Keep proprietary business information secure
- Regulatory compliance - Meet HIPAA, GDPR, or industry-specific requirements
- Evidence integrity - Verified documents hold up in court
Getting Started as a Business Owner
Follow this path to start using Laymans for your business legal needs:
| Step | Action | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create your free account | Start Registration |
| 2 | Set up encryption for business documents | First-Time Encryption |
| 3 | Upload your existing business contracts | Create a Casefile |
| 4 | Create a Briefcase with your standard clauses | Make a Briefcase |
| 5 | Draft your first business document | Start a Case |
Common Business Scenarios
Scenario 1: Vendor Won't Pay Invoice
Situation: Client owes you $8,500 for services rendered 90 days ago. Emails ignored.
Laymans Solution:
- Create a Casefile with invoice, contract, proof of service delivery
- Start a Letter Case for a demand letter
- Let Leyla draft professional demand with payment deadline and legal consequences
- Finalize and send via certified mail
- If ignored, convert to small claims litigation document
Cost: $0 for document creation. Optional: $200-350 for attorney review/sending.
Scenario 2: Need to Terminate Problem Employee
Situation: Employee consistently underperforming despite verbal warnings. Need to terminate without lawsuit risk.
Laymans Solution:
- Create a Casefile with employment agreement, performance reviews, warning emails
- Start a Contract Case for termination letter + severance agreement
- Leyla structures documents with proper at-will language and severance terms
- Purchase employment attorney review for $250-400
- Finalize and execute
Cost: $250-400 for attorney review vs. $40,000+ for wrongful termination defense.
Scenario 3: Customer Dispute Over Service Quality
Situation: Customer demands full refund claiming poor work. You delivered per contract but customer has unrealistic expectations.
Laymans Solution:
- Upload all project documentation to Casefile - contract, communications, deliverables
- Create response Letter explaining contract fulfillment
- Leyla cites contract terms and shows deliverable met specifications
- Offer partial refund or additional work as compromise
- If customer escalates, find attorney for negotiation
Cost: $0 for self-drafted response. $500-1,000 if attorney negotiation needed.
Why Small Businesses Choose Laymans
| Traditional Law Firm | Laymans |
|---|---|
| $300-500/hour for routine contracts | Create unlimited contracts with AI assistance |
| $1,500+ for demand letter | Draft professional demand letters for $0 |
| $5,000+ retainer required upfront | Pay only for services you use, when you use them |
| No transparency on final costs | Fixed prices shown upfront |
| You wait days for attorney to draft | Create documents in minutes, review immediately |
| Attorney keeps all your files | You own and control all your documents |
| No organization of your legal matters | All documents, evidence, and correspondence organized by matter |
Laymans doesn't replace attorneys for complex litigation. But for the 80% of small business legal work that's routine - contracts, collections, employment documentation, dispute letters - you can handle it yourself with AI assistance and buy expert review only when needed.
Tools & Resources
| Feature | What It Does | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Cases | AI-powered legal document creation | Start a Case |
| Casefiles | Organize evidence and business records | What is a Casefile |
| Briefcases | Save and reuse contract clauses and templates | Make a Briefcase |
| Search | Find attorneys by practice area and location | First Search |
| Campaigns | Crowdfund legal fees for major disputes | Create Campaign |
| Movements | Join collective actions against larger companies | Apply to Movement |
| Verification | Certify and notarize business documents | Access Verification |
| Expense Tracking | Monitor legal spending by matter | View Expenses |