Author: Kirstin Beatty, Founder

2025 April 18 – In terms of our current model for building a team, I had planned to add partners to Last Tree Laws, L.L.C., under a sweat equity model where partners are given an ownership stake and then can legally work for free, like me, while building monthly funding that supports company resources and salaries. I planned to later repurchase these ownership stakes to insure the company was never sold to an outsider that lacked integrity.

However, my applicants to fill open positions have all been from out of state. I cannot add partners from out of state using the sweat equity model because this adds too many legal and financial complexities and additional costs.

For example, I have found an-out-of-state lawyer who I find ideal, but I need to insure we have a monthly base of funds adequate to simply hire her directly. I need to build a minimum monthly income which supports a decent salary for a lawyer in Massachusetts. I need to build monthly revenue for a salary that respects her contribution, especially given the business model involves challenging some powerful interests.

I’ve found another individual who would likely be excellent working on policy, but her participation also depends on monthly revenue and providing another excellent salary as well, given her resume. In other words, I need to start building monthly revenue in order to have a dream team.

Currently, I am putting every cent I have into this business to cover the initial costs of the website, licenses, networking, etc. I need to shift attention to seeking funding, while simultaneously demonstrating that work is being done that deserves financial and public support. This is where I am currently shifting attention.

Aside from finances, I am glad to say I’ve found some new, lovely and helpful connections that likely will support future initiatives with their knowledge, connections, and skills–at a later time I can perhaps share more details. I hope to continue attending more events and networking.