i would prefer to eliminate legal fees entirely by using standard docs and not negotiating them on either side. we have done that many many times and it works great. all you need to do is use a standard template. most law firms have them.

this is what i propose on every seed and series A we do. most entrepreneurs take us up on it. and then we don't even use a lawyer on our side.

however, there are cases, like one you and i have exchanged emails on recently, where a legal issue comes up that is created by the entrepreneur's counsel, that requires a lot of work and sometimes we end up getting stuck with the bill on it.

in situations like that, i like to have the discussion of who should pay the bill up front and on a case by case basis