Startup Grind - Built to Last: What Founders Should Expect from Lawyers and Accountants

​Behind every thriving startup is a team of trusted advisors. But how do you know if your legal and financial professionals are truly supporting your growth — or just billing hours?

​Join us for a candid panel discussion moderated by Tarek Kandalaft, COO of Dockware, who knows firsthand what it’s like to evaluate advisors while scaling a company.

​Our panel features seasoned professionals who specialize in working with startups and small businesses:

• ​Steve Brooks — Founding Partner, Eldridge Brooks Partners
  Corporate attorney with deep experience in capital raises, M&A, and guiding entrepreneurs at every stage.

• ​Jake Butts — Partner, Kingsley Hird
  Startup-focused attorney who helps founders navigate formation, contracts, and scaling with clarity and confidence.

• ​Aaron Ackerman — Partner, HoganTaylor
  CPA, CGMA, and leader of HoganTaylor’s Client Accounting & Advisory Services, advising businesses with financial strategy, KPIs, and growth planning.

​Together, they’ll unpack what great professional support actually looks like, how to set clear expectations from day one, and what red flags to watch for in your service relationships.

​Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling to your next round, this session will help you understand how to build long-term, productive partnerships with the experts who protect and guide your business.

​Key Takeaways:

• ​What questions to ask before hiring a lawyer or accountant

• ​How to align services with business stage and budget

• ​What transparency and responsiveness should look like

• ​How to manage scope, fees, and ongoing communication

• ​When it’s time to reevaluate your advisory team

​Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with actionable insight to strengthen your startup’s foundation.