NEXT is a trailblazer in the innovative business sector, offering advanced startup-centric legal solutions. Born from the established law firm Shulman Rogers, NEXT is redefining legal services for startups and emerging growth companies. NEXT founder Anthony Millin drew from his experience as an entrepreneur, partner in an early-stage VC Fund, and lawyer, to craft a business that not only understands but speaks the language of entrepreneurs and sets a new standard for legal support in the dynamic world of startups.
The Genesis of Innovation
NEXT’s story began in 2018 within the walls of Shulman Rogers, a 100-attorney law firm, where Millin envisioned a new frontier for legal services that would free early-stage companies from the billable-hour model and offer more predictability. Driven by the desire to address the unique challenges faced by startups, Millin saw an opportunity to innovate.
He observed that founders struggled with the need for a predictable legal budget while facing a complex and challenging legal landscape. “Our mission was to bridge this gap,” Millin reflects, “by productizing a broad range of legal services into fixed-price packages that include guidance, strategy, documentation, negotiations, and more, creating a legal service that aligns perfectly with the fast-paced, evolving needs of startups.”
NEXT becomes a partner in the entrepreneurial journey, reshaping the way legal support is delivered to the innovators of tomorrow. Essentially, Millin, co-chair Larry Bard, Chief Revenue Officer Lisa Friedlander, and the NEXT team have revolutionized how lawyers and legal customers interact. “We’re on a mission to empower startup success beyond the core legal services we provide. We’ve changed how customer service is delivered in the legal industry with a client-centric approach that includes customer relationship managers and integrates technology to increase collaboration, transparency, and efficiency,” asserts Millin.
This NEXT Practice Group within Shulman Rogers has launched several innovative platforms: StartupU, an educational resource for founders; Pitchmasters, a safe environment for practicing investment pitches; NEXT Marketplace, connecting startups with over 100 service providers; and NEXT Raise, facilitating connections between founders and investors. These initiatives are part of NEXT’s comprehensive, customer-centric service offering, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem. “Focusing and working with seasoned attorneys in the startup space is essential. We’ve created a structured pathway to guide startups through their legal journey,” Millin emphasizes.
From initial formation to complex financing rounds, NEXT’s roadmap demystifies legal processes, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best: innovating and growing their businesses. At the core of NEXT’s ethos is a deep understanding of the startup world, a domain where agility and clarity are not just desired but essential. “Startups operate at a breakneck pace, and they need legal services that can keep up,” Millin points out. From bringing on employees to raising capital, NEXT provides tailored solutions that align perfectly with the fast-paced and often unpredictable journey of startup growth and development. This alignment has positioned NEXT as a crucial ally for startups.
Fixed-Price Legal Packages
In addition to providing sophisticated legal services, this company also created fixed-price legal packages with innovative pricing structures that have impacted the traditional legal service model. “We help startups better manage their Profit and Loss Statements,” shares Millin. “It’s difficult to manage a P&L if you can’t predict certain expenses that are critical parts of the expense side of your P&L – and that’s where legal has traditionally been,” says Millin. Budgeting for legal services is a significant challenge for early-stage startups, creating stress in accessing high-quality, comprehensive legal advice. NEXT addresses this by providing startups with seasoned attorneys, which is often not the case in other models where senior partners are less accessible. This access to experienced legal guidance is a crucial aspect of NEXT’s model. This ensures startups receive high-quality legal documents and invaluable advice from seasoned professionals.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Service
NEXT’s innovation extends beyond legal packages to the realm of technology, revolutionizing client experiences. “We’re highly focused on collaborating with clients more effectively, efficiently, and transparently – so, integrating cutting-edge technology has been a game-changer for us,” says Millin. This technological integration allows NEXT to offer more streamlined and efficient services, significantly improving client interactions and outcomes. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to keeping pace with the evolving business landscape and leading the charge in transforming how legal services are delivered in an increasingly digital world.
Educating Entrepreneurs
What sets NEXT even further apart from its legal counterparts is that it has gone beyond legal “to create an entire ecosystem and platform centered on helping startups succeed and fulfill their mission,” asserts Millin. He emphasizes this commitment: “Startup owners must understand the legal landscape they operate in.” Through its educational platform, StartupU, NEXT empowers entrepreneurs with essential legal knowledge, equipping them with the tools to make informed business decisions. This educational initiative reflects Millin’s vision of a comprehensive support system for startups, where legal acumen goes hand in hand with entrepreneurial success.
The Impact and Recognition
The impact of NEXT on the startup ecosystem has been profound and widely recognized. Millin reflects: “Seeing startups thrive with our support has been incredibly rewarding.” This success is not just anecdotal; NEXT has received national recognition for its innovative approach, establishing itself as a leader in legal services for startups. For four consecutive years, NEXT has been acknowledged as an industry leader by top legal publishers like Legal Week and American Lawyer. The firm has been honored as the law firm of the year for startups and emerging growth companies. Additionally, it has been a finalist for the best law firm for startup success and for the most innovative legal services in the US in 2023. And was awarded the nation’s top law firm for Enabling Startup Success in 2024. This recognition underscores NEXT’s unique and valuable contributions to the market.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, NEXT is poised for continued evolution and expansion. “We are constantly exploring new ways to serve our clients better,” Millin shares. Plans for further integrating advanced technologies and expanding their service offerings are in the pipeline. This momentum reflects NEXT’s commitment to being at the forefront of legal innovation, ensuring that it remains relevant and a trailblazer in the ever-changing landscape of startup businesses. With its unique approach to legal services, NEXT has become a beacon for entrepreneurs, guiding them through their business journey.
