SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

AUSTIN-With the help of state and local incentives, LegalZoom has announced plans to locate its regional center in Austin.

According to a press release, LegalZoom agreed to invest $1.75 million and bring approximately 600 new jobs to the region.

The Los Angeles-based company provides online legal documents and legal document services. Since its inception in late 2000, the company has served over 700,000 customers and has a 95 percent referral rate, the company claims.

On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Rick Perry announced that Texas will contribute $1 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund to LegalZoom to encourage the move. Perry said the relocation will strengthen Central Texas' economy by bringing new jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment.

"Texas is the best state in the nation for business, thanks to our low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulatory environment, skilled workforce, and incentives such as TEF, which continues to be an essential deal closing fund for Texas," Perry said.

Through the use of the city's Economic Development Program, the Austin city council agreed to pay LegalZoom $20,000 annually for 10 years for the expansion into Austin. The city is expecting a net benefit of $563,000.

LegalZoom says it will provide 50 new jobs in 2010 and as many as 600 by 2016, with an average salary of $42,000.

LegalZoom's President and Chief Operating Officer Frank Monestere states, "During our first year we expect to hire for both entry level and management positions in sales, order fulfillment, customer service, and technical support. Over time, that may be expanded to include other functions."

Initially, the company plans to lease a 35,000-square-foot building in Quarry Oaks but long term the company is planning to buy a facility to meet its expanding needs.

"Gov. Perry, the Austin City Council and Chamber of Commerce worked very hard to craft a very attractive incentive package through both the Texas Enterprise Fund and the City's Economic Development Program," Monestere said.

"Their efforts and warm welcome were instrumental in our decision. In addition, we strongly believe that Austin's talented workforce and culture will be a great fit for our company. We are very excited to make Austin our second home."

For more information on LegalZoom and employment opportunities, visit www.legalzoom.com.