Hiring reliable Online Lawyer Services is an excellent initial step to obtain cost-effective guidance before committing to expensive long-term legal counsel.
The global market for online legal services is anticipated to reach USD 12.23 billion by 2027.
To assist you in making the most informed decision, our Venture Smarter team of attorneys has collaborated to evaluate and rank the leading online lawyer services currently available.
Here is a detailed comparison of the top eight legal service providers, including their pricing structures, service offerings, advantages, and disadvantages.
Editor’s Choice
Rated by over 1000+ customers
Rocket Lawyer Online Lawyer Services Logo with Professional in BackgroundRocket LawyerRated 4.88/5
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2nd Best Choice
Rated by over 1000+ customers
LegalZoom Online Legal Services Logo with Business ProfessionalLegalZoomRated 4.72/5
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3rd Best Choice
Rated by over 1000+ customers
Northwest Registered Agent Online Lawyer Services Logo with Office SettingNorthwest Registered AgentRated 4.87/5
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8 Best Online Lawyer Services (February 2025)
1 – Rocket Lawyer (Editor’s Choice)
Rated 4.88/5
Rocket Lawyer Online Lawyer Services Logo with Professional in Background
4.9Support
4.8Price
4.9Turnaround
4.9Ease of Use
4.9User Ratings
4.9Features
Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent online review ratings
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Wide range of services
- Qualified team of local attorneys
- Helpful customer support
Cons
- Subscription can be expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs requiring diverse legal document templates
Who is it not for?
- Individuals needing face-to-face legal consultations
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer delivers a complete suite of online lawyer services designed to efficiently address common legal needs. It is an excellent option for those seeking prompt legal documents and advice.
Would you recommend Rocket Lawyer?In my experience, when drafting a contract, Rocket Lawyer was invaluable. Their free legal resources were incredibly helpful, and I even consulted with one of their affordable attorneys.
Rocket Lawyer’s online lawyer services for LLC formation are praised for their simplicity, accessibility, and affordability.
The platform’s ease of use, combined with specialized legal assistance, makes it a top choice for business founders eager to quickly launch their ventures.
Typically, forming an LLC through Rocket Lawyer takes approximately 7-10 business days.
Ongoing compliance assistance is available for an additional fee, including notifications for crucial filing deadlines and state-specific updates.
Their website provides comprehensive information on various topics, including help desk services, membership benefits, and online business establishment.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Rocket Lawyer Package ($0 + State Fee): Register your first LLC for FREE with Rocket Legal+ subscription ($19.99/month, billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial period).
- Registered Agent Service ($249.99): $124.99 per year with Rocket Legal+ plan ($19.99/month, billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).
- Premium Membership ($39.99/month + state fees): As a Rocket Lawyer monthly subscriber, gain access to customizable legal documents, unlimited Rocket Sign electronic signatures, direct attorney consultations, Document Defense, and 30-minute phone consultations.
- Legal Documents (39.99 per form): Non-members can access individual legal documents offered by Rocket Lawyer.
- Ask A Lawyer Service ($49.99 per question): Non-subscribers can consult with Rocket Lawyer attorneys to ask specific legal questions.
- Registered Agent Service ($125 + state fees): Rocket Lawyer can act as your registered agent, receiving service of process and legal notices on your behalf.
2 – LegalZoom
Rated 4.72/5
LegalZoom Online Legal Services Logo with Business Professional
4.8Support
4.6Price
4.7Turnaround
4.7Ease of Use
4.7User Ratings
4.8Features
Sign Up To LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Established expertise in the industry
- Extensive range of online lawyer services
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Aggressive upselling tactics
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and small to medium-sized businesses
Who is it not for?
- Businesses requiring highly specialized legal services
The Verdict
LegalZoom is well-suited for those starting a business who need basic, straightforward online lawyer services, but it may not be adequate for more complex legal needs.
Would you recommend LegalZoom?LegalZoom is a veteran online legal service provider, serving over 2 million businesses since its inception. They primarily offer services in business formation, wills and trusts, and intellectual property.
Our experience with LegalZoom showed that accessing legal documents was simple due to their user-friendly online forms and transparent flat-rate pricing, starting at just $79.
These documents allow for numerous revisions, and if you are not satisfied, customer support can be contacted within 60 days for a full refund.
This online lawyer service excels in customer support. Phone support agents are available for 14 hours on weekdays and 9 hours on weekends.
However, LegalZoom lacks comprehensive day-to-day accounting solutions for business owners.
- Economy Package (Starting at $79/year): Includes business name check and filing, preparation and filing of articles of incorporation, lifetime customer support, and financial account authorization letter.
- Basic Package ($329/year): Features deluxe corporate document organizer, formal certificates for 20 members, and company seal.
- Express Gold Package ($349/year): Offers VIP processing and expedited shipment of business documents.
- Registered Agent Service ($299/year): Includes unlimited cloud storage, compliance alerts, and company data protection.
- Estate Plan Bundle ($249): Provides attorney consultations, living and last will, financial power of attorney, and a living trust.
- Copyright Registration ($114+ state filing fees): Helps small business owners protect their intellectual property rights.
3 – Northwest Registered Agent
Rated 4.87/5
Northwest Registered Agent Online Lawyer Services Logo with Office Setting
4.9Features
4.7Price
5.0Support
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong commitment to client data privacy
- Professional customer service team
- No hidden fees
- Top A+ customer rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
- Expensive add-ons
Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent?During the initial stages of my entrepreneurial journey, I felt overwhelmed by the requirements. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was transformative. Their deep expertise was evident as they addressed every concern of mine thoroughly and promptly.
In the U.S., where entrepreneurs employ 61.6 million workers, accounting for 45.9% of the U.S. workforce according to the Economic Profile for Small Businesses, Northwest Registered Agent’s online lawyer services simplified the LLC formation process significantly.
Initial filing took only 9 minutes, and everything was completed within 72 hours, despite selecting a 5-day service and starting on a Saturday. Their dedication to accuracy and client care was consistent throughout.
Utilizing PrivacybyDefault ensured that we didn’t have to be concerned about data protection.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + State Fee): Offers fast LLC setup with state filing fees, one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and free mail forwarding when forming your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Includes privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to smoothly start your business.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year of this service is free when you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Subsequent years are charged annually. Discounted to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state operations.
- Business Formation ($39 + state fees): Northwest offers this flat rate for forming any entity type, including LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
- Registered Agent Service ($125): This plan includes annual report filing alerts, business addresses, mail forwarding and scanning, and locally scanned legal documents.
- Law on Call ($9): Provides Utah residents access to legal advice from attorneys via phone.
- EIN Filing ($50): Northwest can handle the EIN application process for you.
4 – Bizee
Rated 4.60/5
Bizee Online Lawyer Services on Desktop
4.6Support
4.6Price
4.6Turnaround
4.6Ease of Use
4.6User Ratings
4.6Features
Sign Up To Bizee
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable legal service options
- Digital storage of company filings
- Automatic compliance notifications for life
Cons
- No option to directly hire a lawyer
- Limited intellectual property legal services
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious entrepreneurs starting new businesses
Who is it not for?
- Larger businesses or those needing comprehensive legal advice
The Verdict
Bizee offers a very economical and straightforward business formation service, ideal for new entrepreneurs focused on cost savings.
Would you recommend Bizee?Bizee (formerly Incfile) is an online lawyer service specializing in business formation.
Bizee delivers high-quality online lawyer services at industry-leading prices. Their most basic package is available for $0 (plus state fees).
Bizee offers registered agent and LLC creation services as well as accounting and compliance services, including drafting operating agreements, filing annual reports, and EIN registration.
Their platform is user-friendly, making it easy to purchase Bizee’s services online. Helpful prompts appear on screen during form completion, and a live chat box connects you with support.
After registering for Bizee’s online lawyer services, we received a complimentary one-hour consultation with a tax professional to discuss our legal questions.
The primary drawback of Bizee is its limited service offerings. For instance, they do not provide legal documents or extensive legal consulting plans.
Additionally, their customer service hours are restricted and not available on weekends.
- Silver Package ($0 + state fees): Includes filing certificates of formation, business name searches, business bank account setup, access to online legal documents, and free registered agent service for the first year.
- Gold Plan ($149 + state fees): Includes Silver plan features, plus banking resolution, tax consultation, ongoing legal support, EIN registration, Operating Agreement, and express document shipping.
- Platinum Plan ($299 + state fees): In addition to Gold plan features, the Platinum package offers business contracts, business domain and hosting, personal legal documents, expedited FedEx delivery, and a business formation kit.
- Registered Agent Service ($119): Free registered agent service is included for the first year with each package. Renewal is available for $119 annually.
5 – ZenBusiness
Rated 4.50/5
ZenBusiness Online Lawyer Services Interface on Laptop
4.5Support
4.5Price
4.5Turnaround
4.5Ease of Use
4.5User Ratings
4.5Features
Sign Up To ZenBusiness
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Worry-free compliance service
- Streamlined, user-friendly platform
- Fast processing times
Cons
- Registered agent services not included in plans
- Does not offer company seals
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- New business owners seeking comprehensive startup solutions
Who is it not for?
- Large corporations or businesses with highly complex needs
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is excellent for small business owners who want a balance of affordability and ongoing compliance online lawyer services, with simple online tools.
Would you recommend ZenBusiness?ZenBusiness excels in simplifying the complexities of LLC formation. If you’re an entrepreneur seeking online legal consultation,
ZenBusiness can assist you in planning by offering tools for industry analysis, expense estimation, brand creation, and determining the optimal business structure.
ZenBusiness’s intuitive platform simplifies launching a new business. It provides rapid processing and Worry-Free Compliance to ease company setup and maintain your schedule.
Their platform is user-focused, ensuring a smooth 10-12 minute filing process. My LLC approval took just four days, and I received a New Business Kit.
Like many online lawyer services, ZenBusiness also provides quality auditing services. We appreciated their efficient handling of bookkeeping, payroll, invoices, and daily accounting needs.
However, ZenBusiness does not include registered agent services as a standard feature, making it an expensive add-on.
Service Features:
- Starter Plan ($0 + state fees): This basic plan includes standard processing, expense tracking, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It offers standard filing speed (2-3 weeks) and optional worry-free compliance for the first year. Benefit from a 1-month free trial for banking services, a bank account, Money Pro Bookkeeping, and Website Builder, followed by competitive monthly rates.
- Pro Plan ($199+ state fees): Includes Starter plan features plus an operating agreement, rush processing, and worry-free compliance. Additional features include the fastest “rush” filing speed, ensuring an average processing time of 1-2 business days. A detailed LLC operating agreement template is available for $99, aiding businesses in establishing clear operational guidelines. Zen Business also assists in obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Premium Plan ($349+ state fees): Includes Pro plan features plus business domain registration and hosting, email address, business document templates, and a customizable corporate website.
- Registered Agent Services ($199): This is the standalone cost for registered agent service without other bundled services.
6 – Harbor Compliance
Rated 4.40/5
Harbor Compliance Online Legal Services on Computer
4.4Support
4.4Price
4.4Turnaround
4.4Ease of Use
4.4User Ratings
4.4Features
Sign Up To Harbor Compliance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Personalized customer service
- Same-day legal processing
- Free registered agent service for one year
Cons
- Outdated website interface
- Relatively expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Companies needing multi-state licensing and compliance
Who is it not for?
- Small businesses seeking basic formation services
The Verdict
Harbor Compliance is best suited for businesses in heavily regulated industries, especially those expanding across multiple states, needing specialized online lawyer services.
Would you recommend Harbor Compliance?Harbor Compliance, established in 2012, has provided compliance solutions to over 20,000 businesses, organizations, and NGOs through their online lawyer services.
This online lawyer service offers a demo account, which we utilized to test their services before committing to a paid subscription.
Their same-day processing is beneficial if you require legal assistance urgently.
Harbor Compliance offers a single formation package that includes essential business formation services, such as name searches and verifications.
However, this service is more expensive, priced at $399. Unlike competitors, Harbor Compliance does not offer more budget-friendly packages or service customization options.
- Full Formation Service ($399): This comprehensive LLC business formation service includes filing articles of organization, name search, operating agreement, and free 1-year registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): Free for the first year, then renews at this rate annually.
7 – FileNow
Rated 4.30/5
FileNow Online Legal Services Consultation
4.3Support
4.3Price
4.3Turnaround
4.3Ease of Use
4.3User Ratings
4.3Features
Sign Up To FileNow
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Transparent pricing structure
- 24/7 live customer support
- Reliable refund policy
Cons
- No tax services offered
- No annual reporting services
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- First-time business owners seeking simplicity and speed
Who is it not for?
- Businesses outside the US or those needing customized legal services
The Verdict
FileNow offers a straightforward and rapid method for company formation, ideal for newcomers desiring a smooth start with online lawyer services.
Would you recommend FileNow?Since 2018, FileNow has provided online lawyer services to aid in the creation of numerous businesses, supported by a team of attorneys, tax specialists, and entrepreneurs.
They feature a company formation wizard that guides you in choosing the appropriate entity type after answering a few basic questions on their platform.
This service provides same-day processing, ensuring all documents are managed in under 24 hours.
Our experience showed that all legal documents were processed electronically, simplifying tracking, downloading, and editing as needed.
FileNow also offers a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days if you are not satisfied with their online lawyer services.
The main limitation of this online lawyer service is its limited range of add-on services; it lacks tax services and annual reporting.
- Starter ($49 +state fees): Includes filing articles of organization, unlimited phone & email support, electronic delivery of state documents, online order tracking, and unlimited name searches.
- Premium ($ 199+ state fees): Includes Starter plan features plus company alerts, business tax consultation, business banking account, and a free year of registered agent service.
- EIN ($75): They will apply for a tax ID on behalf of your company.
- Operating agreement ($50): FileNow will draft an operating agreement for your company.
8 – LegalShield
Rated 4.30/5
LegalShield Online Lawyer Services for Business
4.3Support
4.3Price
4.3Turnaround
4.3Ease of Use
4.3User Ratings
4.3Features
Sign Up To LegalShield
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable monthly subscription plans
- 24/7 live chat support access
- User-friendly scheduling application
Cons
- Additional services can be costly
- No free trial period
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals and businesses needing cost-effective legal consultations
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking a traditional law firm experience
The Verdict
LegalShield offers accessible online lawyer services via a subscription model, ideal for routine legal needs without the typical high costs of traditional law firms.
Would you recommend LegalShield?LegalShield, established in 1972, is an online lawyer service providing clients with affordable monthly legal representation.
The individual monthly legal plan from LegalShield includes free legal document reviews and consultations with licensed attorneys.
We also accessed services for estate planning and mortgage document creation.
LegalShield offers counsel for matters including traffic violations, family law, and tax audits.
You also receive a 25% discount on a firm’s standard hourly rates if you need legal counsel for other issues. Coverage extends to your spouse and dependent children automatically.
Although utilizing a monthly subscription model, LegalShield does not require long-term commitment. You can cancel anytime and receive a pro-rata refund for unused days.
However, be aware that some benefits do not apply to pre-existing conditions.
For example, if you subscribe to LegalShield the day after receiving a traffic ticket, plan benefits for traffic violations will not apply.
- Individuals and Families Legal Plan ($24.95/month): This individual plan includes phone consultations, 24/7 emergency access, document review, tax audit services, traffic assistance, estate planning, driver’s license assistance, and more.
- Small Business Legal Plan (starts at $49/month): This plan offers dedicated consultations, tax audit services, collection letters, and business research advice.
- Start A Business ($149 + state fees): This service plan provides everything needed to start a business entity, including name search and registration, LLC formation, EIN registration, and more.
- Trial Defense ($9.95/month): Provides pre-trial counsel and advice if summoned to court.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Venture Smarter is your trusted source for information on online lawyer services because our team of experienced attorneys has rigorously evaluated today’s most reputable online legal platforms. Our methodology is comprehensive and unbiased, ensuring our recommendations are based on service performance, reliability, and reader value.
The Venture Smarter team is committed to transparency and integrity. We engage anonymously with online lawyer services and utilize insights from an independent review team to provide unbiased, evidence-driven recommendations. This approach ensures our suggestions are aligned with your best interests.
We recognize the importance of dependable legal support for navigating business and personal legal complexities. Therefore, we meticulously reviewed each service’s features, pricing, customer support, and efficiency. Our aim is to empower Venture Smarter readers with the necessary information to make informed decisions that meet their legal needs and budget.
Choosing Venture Smarter means selecting a partner dedicated to providing access to quality legal support and resources. Trust us to guide you to the best online lawyer service for your specific needs, ensuring competent legal advice and document assistance.
How We Tested The Best Online Lawyer Services
To identify the top online lawyer services, we conducted a thorough review process, evaluating a significant number of companies to ensure comprehensive analysis.
We meticulously assessed 15 different legal service providers, engaging anonymously with their business formation and online lawyer services. This allowed us to gain genuine insight into their offerings and customer experience.
Our team, including legal experts, contributed their knowledge, especially regarding state-specific nuances in LLC formation and management.
1. Pricing
Cost-effectiveness is crucial for 62% of respondents when selecting online lawyer services, impacting affordability and value for money.
Bizee stood out with its free package, including registered agent service.
ZenBusiness also offers competitive basic packages, while Northwest provides an excellent deal at $39, including a free registered agent for accounts opened through our link.
LegalZoom was less competitive in pricing; their basic package costs $329.
2. Service Offered
The scope and quality of services, including operating agreements, attorney consultations, EIN registration, and additional paid services, are essential for complete legal support.
Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom scored a perfect 5/5 for their extensive service range, including lawyer consultations and access to various legal documents.
Conversely, Bizee received a 3/5 due to fewer options, particularly in legal consulting plans, despite its affordability.
3. Reliability and Reputation
A service’s reputation, reflected in user reviews and ratings on platforms like TrustPilot, indicates reliability and customer satisfaction.
Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom had high 5-star ratings and positive reviews, indicating strong reliability.
Newer services like FileNow have a less established reputation.
“Online lawyer services offer a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to access legal guidance, especially for routine matters or initial consultations. However, managing expectations is crucial. These services typically cannot replace personalized advice and representation from an attorney in complex legal situations.” Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
4. Customer Support
Legal processes and terminology can be complex. Effective customer support clarifies these complexities, making online lawyer services more accessible and understandable.
We assessed communication channels like phone, email, and chat, noting human vs. bot interactions, response speed, and availability.
LegalZoom demonstrated exceptional customer support with extended hours.
Bizee, while offering good support, had limited hours and no weekend availability.
5. Turnaround Time
Many legal processes have strict deadlines. Quick turnaround times ensure deadlines are met, avoiding legal penalties or negative outcomes.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness were notable for rapid processing, handling our legal notices on the same day.
Harbor Compliance, despite its quality, had a slower turnaround in comparison.
6. Ease of Use
Legal topics can be overwhelming. A user-friendly website simplifies information, making it more digestible for clients.
ZenBusiness scored 5/5 for its user-friendly platform with clear navigation, simple language, and helpful resources.
7. Local Expertise
For businesses operating across multiple states, online lawyer services with expertise in various state laws provide comprehensive support, addressing multi-state operation complexities.
Our review found Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom demonstrating strong local expertise in areas like business regulations, real estate, and family law.
FAQs
Do Online Lawyer Services Provide Actual Legal Advice?
Yes, online lawyer services do provide real legal advice, typically from licensed attorneys. However, the scope and depth of advice can vary.
How Do Online Lawyer Services Differ From Traditional Legal Services?
Online lawyer services offer legal assistance via digital platforms, providing access to legal advice, document preparation, and other services online, unlike traditional services involving in-person attorney interactions.
Our Verdict on the Best Online Lawyer Service
Utilizing online lawyer services allows you to benefit from attorney representation and sound legal advice while controlling costs.
After evaluating various best online lawyer services, Rocket Lawyer is our top recommendation.
This affordable online lawyer service offers high-quality legal expertise and reliable counsel.
Rocket Lawyer provides comprehensive online lawyer services, whether you need to start a business, obtain a lease agreement template, or a prenuptial agreement.
Additionally, combining Rocket Lawyer’s resources with your in-house legal team can help complete projects on time and prevent costly legal errors in your business.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer Online Lawyer Services Logo with Professional in Background
Rated 4.88/5
4.9Support
4.8Price
4.9Turnaround
4.9Ease of Use
4.9User Ratings
4.9Features
Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer
Pros
- Top online review ratings
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Wide service offerings
- Excellent team of local licensed attorneys
- Helpful customer care team
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of February
Cons
- Subscription model can be expensive
