Entrepreneurship and Community Business Clinic

Catalog description

The Entrepreneurship and Community Business Clinic (ECBC) provides essential legal support to startups, small businesses, and nonprofits led by low and moderate income entrepreneurs and community organizers. This one-semester course introduces students to transactional lawyering through pro bono services. Working in teams of two, students will assist clients with a wide array of legal issues, including entity selection and formation, negotiation, drafting and reviewing agreements, developing management and governance processes, identifying potential regulatory or legal challenges for emerging businesses, ensuring compliance with securities laws, conducting trademark searches, and advising on intellectual property protections. Additionally, students will assist with nonprofit formation and compliance. Students will be responsible for establishing and maintaining client relationships, reviewing business models, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and developing tailored work plans to meet the specific needs of each client. Furthermore, students will engage in community outreach, delivering workshops and webinars to educate aspiring entrepreneurs about the challenges and risks involved in starting a business. These presentations will be created by the students themselves, with the aim of empowering future business owners. Previously offered as LAW 7835 .