Can I set up a sole proprietorship without a lawyer?

Because sole proprietorships are so easy to setup, you generally can start one without the help of an attorney. You will obviously need to do some research on your own, particularly with regard to state and local business laws. You should look at the laws both where your business will be located and in any other states where you may be doing business.

So the point is, as long as you do your research, you should be able to setup and run your sole proprietorship without the help and expense of an attorney.