Are you a lawyer early in your career who’s passionate about addressing access to justice issues in Chicago? If so, consider applying for the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP).
The JEP is a small business incubator that helps newer lawyers start “innovative, socially conscious law practices serving low and middle income Chicagoans.” JEP lawyers leverage entrepreneurship and experimentation to deliver disruptive, market-based legal services to communities that are often underserved by the private legal market. Practices offer fixed fees, flexible representation and attorney-client collaboration.
Participants accepted into the 18-month program receive training, mentoring and legal and business support. Applicants should be passionate about using technology and collaborative approaches to create innovative access to justice solutions.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Work experience indicating an aptitude for operating your own business
- Member of the Illinois bar in good standing
- Graduated law school in the last 10 years
- 18-month commitment to active program participation
JEP participants spend the first six months performing roughly 20 hours of pro bono work a week with legal aid organizations. During this time, they receive training on starting a solo or small practice. Participants also begin establishing their own independent practices and handling cases from low- and moderate-income individuals. For the following 12 months, participants take on a more robust caseload, while continuing to receive training, mentoring and coaching.
The application deadline is Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Two rounds of interviews will be held in late September and early October. Selections will be made by October 7 for the October 28 start.
Interested in learning more about the Justice Entrepreneurs Project? See Frequently Asked Questions for prospective participants.
Staying up to date on the issues impacting the legal profession is vital to your success. Subscribe here to get the Commission’s weekly news delivered to your inbox.