Accessing critical legal services is a significant challenge for small businesses and non-profit corporations.  Many small businesspeople from low to moderate-income neighborhoods form and operate their businesses and organizations without any legal knowledge or assistance.  This often results in the premature failure of the venture. Because quality legal assistance can cost hundreds of dollars per hour, many entrepreneurs do not hire attorneys to properly structure their business to set them up for success.  Nor do they hire attorneys unless problems have already occurred, conflict is threatening the continued success of the small business, and it is at risk of getting sued or already lost money. In short, attorneys are only involved as the ultimate “damage control.”  

Legal Services changes this by providing free transactional legal services to help small businesses and non-profit clients succeed. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the legal issues affecting small businesses and nonprofits.   Legal services we provide include corporate formation, writing contracts, representation in negotiations and resolving disputes, as well as advising nonprofits and guiding community development.