Assistance for Entrepreneurs
“Like a barber college that gives free haircuts, the clinic lets students practice business law on people who need free business advice. Everyone has the right to earn an honest living.”
—Barron's
What Does the IJ Clinic Do?
Assists its clients with the legal intricacies of running a small business, including:
- Business Organization
- Licenses and Permits
- Agreements and Leases
- Regulatory and Zoning Compliance
- Copyright and Trademark Protection
- Employment Law
The IJ Clinic also provides opportunities for community members to come together and learn about entrepreneurship. Every year, we host workshops, seminars and discussion groups. We are also happy to speak to business groups, community organizations or classes about how inner city entrepreneurs can make their dreams reality.
What the IJ Clinic Does NOT Do
The IJ Clinic does not provide transactional assistance unrelated to starting a business (such as individual tax or estate planning advice, or bankruptcy) or assistance in certain highly specialized areas (such as patent applications). Though the IJ Clinic does not litigate--that is, bring or defend lawsuits--we do represent clients in administrative hearings on matters related to their business.
Whom Does the IJ Clinic Serve?
Legal red tape can overwhelm aspiring entrepreneurs. But the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship works to change that. The IJ Clinic provides free legal assistance to low-income entrepreneurs in Chicago, guiding them through the often-complex legal requirements, contractual relationships and paperwork needed to get any new enterprise up and running.
The IJ Clinic selects clients who have big dreams, defined business plans and limited means for hiring attorneys. To qualify for the IJ Clinic’s services, entrepreneurs and small business must:
- Desire to start or grow a business that complies with the law;
- Exhibit the energy, focus and dedication needed to build a successful business; and
- Meet financial eligibility guidelines requiring low to moderate household income.
The IJ Clinic also serves inner-city residents who wish to learn about how to break through legal barriers to entrepreneurship. We are happy to provide information, to speak to community groups, or to assist activists who want to speak out against rules and requirements that inhibit people’s right to make an honest living.
What Does the IJ Clinic Cost?
Because the IJ Clinic seeks to help those who have limited access to the private bar, we do not charge any fees for our services. Clients bear their costs (such as an incorporation filing fee) and any out-of-pocket expenses (such as transportation to or from the IJ Clinic).
How Do I Begin?
If you're interested in working with the IJ Clinic call us at (773) 834-3129. Our receptionist will ask you a series of questions and, if you qualify, will add you to our contact list. The IJ Clinic does not take walk-in appointments.
If you are selected for the IJ Clinic's assistance, you will be asked to enter into an engagement agreement with the IJ Clinic. The agreement sets the terms of the attorney-client relationship and includes a description of both parties' rights and responsibilities, including as specific a description as possible of the services the IJ Clinic is expected to provide. If any payment is required, that amount will be set forth in the engagement agreement. Services begin when payment is received and end when the work specified in the engagement agreement is complete. Costs incurred during the course of representation are billed to the client.
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