IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship
Assistance for Entrepreneurs
What Does the IJ Clinic Do?
Legal red tape and uncertainty about how to formalize important business relationships 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 involved in any new enterprise. The IJ Clinic 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
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 cash-strapped entrepreneurs can make their dreams reality.
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| IJ Clinic client Esmeralda Rodriguez. |
Whom Does the IJ Clinic Serve?
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 businesses must:
- Desire to start or grow a business that provides new resources for your family and community;
- Face challenging legal tasks, issues or questions;
- Exhibit the energy, focus and dedication needed to build a successful business; and
- Meet financial eligibility guidelines requiring low to moderate household income.
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 are interested in working with the IJ Clinic please complete our online intake form, so that we can learn more about your business and your legal needs. If you qualify for our services, we will add you to our waiting pool. Please note that the IJ Clinic does not take walk-in appointments. If you need more immediate assistance, or assistance outside our expertise, we can refer you to other resources for entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.
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| IJ Clinic former clients Brandi Cousins and Charvon Nicholson of Ice Cream Please. |
Client Testimonials:
The IJ clinic helped us organize our past experiences and our future goals by asking the questions that were relevant to our contracts, operating agreements, potential clients etc. This was very practical and pertinent - we needed that. Without it, we would not have felt as stable to put ourselves out there.
-Abir Ali of Ali Sandifer
I must thank you for all the help you have been to MerriBella Fashions. Small Businesses such as myself really need the type of assistance that is provided from the Justice Clinic. Never forget the tremendous impact you had on my business. I don't think I had expressed it before but believe me, I know how special and lucky my store has been to have all of you helping me!!!
-Lerona Johnson founder of MerriBella Fashions
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