Free Legal Assistance Available to Entrepreneurs

Through UC Berkeley Law’s New Business Practicum

Starting a business always involves risk. But many risks can be avoided or managed when entrepreneurs have access to legal help.

UC Berkeley Law School’s New Business Practicum and the UC Merced Venture Lab are partnering to provide access to senior law students who work under experienced start-up law practitioners.

Entrepreneurs who need, but can’t afford legal help will be able to meet with Practicum attorneys and student teams for 40-minute consultation sessions, scheduled every first Friday from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

When you sign up for these office hours you’ll have free access to the Practicum’s limited services: answering questions, providing template forms, "legally vetting" business models, and doing basic research and drafting work with the following legal issues common to starting a business:

• Entity Formation

• Raising Capital; Securities Issues

• Hiring Employees, Contractors, and Interns

• Contracts

• Risk Management

• Regulatory Issues

All consultations are strictly confidential, and covered by attorney-client privilege. Please note that the Practicum cannot provide advice related to patents and complex tax issues, or guidance related to real estate, bankruptcy, or litigation matters. Referrals to local attorneys are provided whenever needed.

For more info, check out UC Berkeley Law’s New Business Practicum at www.law.berkeley.edu/new-business-practicum, or call us at 510-642-4050