Example of legal pro bono geared to helping entrepreneurs

Here is an interesting example of a neighborhood legal clinic that assists entrepreneurs within New York City. The program is called Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, or NELP. The program “provides low- to moderate-income micro-entrepreneurs with the legal services necessary to start their businesses on sound legal footing,” including assistance with “such matters as incorporation and tax issues, contracts and agreements, commercial lease negotiations, copyrights, trademarks, and patents.” (See website). The program does not use the traditional clinic model of law students, but instead partners with law firms and other legal departments, id., presumably allowing these attorneys to earn pro bono hours. This is an interesting program and a great example of how lawyers can use their talents to assist entrepreneurs, even if it is on a smaller scale.

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