Nolo Press is better for those seeking affordable, self-help legal resources and information. UpCounsel is a better fit for those who need to hire a vetted attorney for specific legal projects and require secure communication and collaboration tools.
| Attribute | Nolo Press Self-Help Legal Guides | UpCounsel Attorney Marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth of Legal Topics Covered | Accidents and Injuries, Bankruptcy, Business Law (LLCs, Corporations, Small Business, Nonprofits), Consumer and Individual Rights, Contracts, Criminal Law, Debt Management, Divorce and Family Law, DUI/DWI and Traffic Tickets, Employment Law, Estate Planning and Probate, Foreclosure, Housing Law, Immigration, Landlord and Tenant, LGBTQ Law, Patent, Copyright & Trademark, Personal Finance, Real Estate, Small Claims Court and Lawsuits, Social Security & Retirement, Taxes, Wills, Trusts, and Probate, Workers' Compensation | Offers attorneys with expertise in business/corporate law, immigration, real estate, trademarks, and patents. Handles legal assistance in areas like startup support, business structure, contracts, intellectual property, general counsel, and more. |
| Attorney Vetting Process | Material is developed by experienced attorneys; editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law and are experts at explaining complicated legal issues; online directory includes over 30,000 attorneys with profiles and client reviews | Vets attorneys before they can bid on projects. They interview and screen every attorney. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5% of lawyers to its site. Verified attorneys have passed a thorough screening process to verify their background and license to practice law. |
| Cost Structure (e.g., fixed fee, hourly) | LLC services are generally more affordable than hiring a traditional attorney; offers different packages (Basic, Standard, and Express) with varying prices; registered agent service for $150 per year with transparent pricing | Attorneys bid on jobs posted by users. Clients can post jobs for free. UpCounsel charges a transaction fee when a client pays an attorney through the site. Hourly rates for commercial contracts range from $240 - $600, employment & HR from $220 - $550, and general counsel from $200 - $500. Fixed fees include utility patents ($1000 - $5000), visas ($2000 - $4000), and trademarks ($600 - $800). |
| Self-Service Document Templates Available | Provides do-it-yourself books, documents, and software; many books include sample legal forms; offers online document preparation | Launched as an open-source legal document and information platform. |
| Attorney Specialization Options | Lawyer directory allows users to search for attorneys based on their practice area, location, and user ratings | Browse attorney profiles, check their specializations, and prices. Helps you find specialized business lawyers for every legal need, anywhere. |
| User Interface and Ease of Navigation | Online platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive | Straightforward online platform. |
| Customer Support Availability and Responsiveness | Customer Service is available Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm PT; Technical Support is available Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm PT; offers knowledgeable and helpful phone support | Offers 24/7 support. |
| Educational Resources and Legal Information | Offers a vast network of legal information available for free online; provides thousands of free and professionally written legal articles; website provides step-by-step instructions, articles, and FAQs | First version was an open-source legal document and information platform. LegalZoom is a platform to find solutions to your legal needs and access educational resources. |
| Client Communication Tools | Can assist in creating a professional legal website for your LLC | Technology allows lawyers and clients to quickly connect, seamlessly collaborate on documents, and securely transact business. Lawyers and clients can communicate securely via video, voice, or text. |
| Data Security and Confidentiality Measures | Aims to protect your personal information through organizational and technical security measures | Uses technology that allows lawyers and clients to quickly connect, seamlessly collaborate on documents, and securely transact business. Uses modern data security practices, such as encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, and secure file sharing tools. Uses Cronofy's free/busy feature to only access availability information. |
| User Reviews and Ratings | Has a listing in the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with mixed reviews; lawyer directory allows users to search for attorneys based on user ratings | Businesses can choose the best attorney based on user reviews. View ratings and reviews from clients on every attorney's profile. |
| Mobile App Availability | Not available | Not available |