Legal Delivery
Lawyer Incubator Directory
A directory of current and planned legal incubators
ASU Alumni Law Group
Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Mission: The ASU Alumni Law Group is a non-profit entity, created for the purpose of furthering the charitable and educational purposes of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Alumni Association. The Law Group was formed to support and provide education and practical training to alumni of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, while providing legal services to an underserved segment of our community. Associates will provide legal services at affordable rates under the close supervision of experienced practitioners. Associates will also receive structured education in the practice of law, as well as how to build a law practice.
Program status: operational as of March 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Health insurance, Bar dues, computer, printer, copier, and typical firm overhead |
X |
James E. Rogers Community Law Group
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
Mission: The James E. Rogers Community Law Group is dedicated to (1) addressing the unmet legal needs of low-income community residents in Southern Arizona by providing free legal representation; (2) providing continuing legal training and experience for new James E. Rogers College of Law graduates; and (3) promoting professionalism and public service among James E. Rogers College of Law graduates and students.
CLG adopts a comprehensive, holistic approach to the immigrant communities it serves. This approach, combined with the program’s institutional affiliation with the law school, enables CLG to connect immigrants to a wide array of services and resources, both internally at the law school and the University, and externally through extensive partnerships with the nonprofit sector and private bar. The CLG works closely with the law college's Bacon Immigration Law & Policy Program, which currently includes two immigration-related clinics for J.D. students: - one for immigrants in removal proceedings and one for low-wage immigrant workers as well as well-established partnerships with service providers and advocacy organizations throughout the region.
Program status: operational as of November 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Health insurance, Bar dues, computer, printer, copier, and typical firm overhead |
X |
Rural Practice Incubator
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Mission: The mission of the Rural Practice Incubator is to support University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumni in launching viable small or solo practices in rural, underserved Arkansas communities.
Program status: will be operational September 2018
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Resources provided to participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
BALI - Bay Area Legal Incubator
Volunteer Legal Services Corporation; the Alameda County Bar Association; University of California Hastings College of the Law; University of California, Berkeley School of Law; Golden Gate University School of Law; University of San Francisco School of Law; Santa Clara University School of Law; the Alameda County Law Library; and legal services providers.
Mission: To provide low-fee services to modest means clients, and to help new lawyers build sustainable low-fee practices.
Program status: operational as of January 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Access to Law Initiative (ALI)
California Western School of Law
Mission: To provide reasonably affordable and free legal services to underserved communities and support alumni who wish to engage in solo, small firm, and non–profit practice.
Program status: operational as of June 2012.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources |
Center for Solo Practitioners
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Mission: The Center for Solo Practitioners is a post–graduate program designed to help alumni develop law practices devoted to the representation of people who are traditionally cut off from legal services and denied access to justice. The goals of the program are to: (1) provide reasonably–priced legal services to low and middle income individuals, (2) help bridge the "justice gap" in our community, (3) engender a career–long passion for serving and improving under–served communities, and (4) provide new lawyers with the skills necessary to run a successful law firm business, while instilling a deep commitment to ethics and professionalism.
Program status: operational as of November 2012.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources |
Community Law Practice Incubator (CLPI)
Bar Association of San Francisco & The Justice and Diversity Center
Mission: The Bar Association of San Francisco has created the Community Law Practice Incubator (CLPI) in partnership with its Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) and Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) to serve the professional needs of attorneys within their first three years of practice, and expand access to affordable legal services for low income persons.
The CLPI provides participants with training and supervision in three areas of practice in which the public’s unmet need for representation remains high: Family Law, Landlord-Tenant issues and Bankruptcy.
The mission of the CLPI is to develop a diverse set of skilled solo/small firm practitioners who will weave a social justice mission to serve the public into the fabric of their new law practice. In partnership with participants, we look forward to building upon this mission to:
Program status: Operational as of September 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Lawyer Entrepreneur Assistance Program (LEAP)
Legal Aid Society of Orange County
In collaboration with the University of California Irvine School of Law, Whittier Law School, Western State College of Law, the Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University and Concord Law School at Kaplan University (online).
Mission: To assist LASOC's clients by training up moderate means attorneys.
Program status: operational as of January 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Lawyers for Family Justice
Family Justice Center
Mission: The Family Justice Center’s legal incubator is a program for new or transitioning attorneys starting their own solo, small firm, or nonprofit practice. An incubator provides a work environment where incubator attorneys can gain experience in the practice of law and knowledge about how to manage a law practice while being mentored, supervised, and taught by experienced attorneys.
Program status: operational as of January 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other | X |
Los Angeles Incubator Consortium (LAIC)
Southwestern, Loyola and UCLA law schools; Los Angeles County Law Library; and six legal aid organizations: Bet Tzedek, Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Community Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles and Public Counsel
Mission: To support new solos in building sustainable law practices while increasing the availability of accessible legal services to modest means clients.
Program status: operational as of March 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: third party vendor discounts |
X |
Modest Means Incubator Program
California Lawyers for the Arts
Mission: CLA’s MMIP is unique in that it is designed to assist recent law graduates (5 years or less) to develop viable law practices in entertainment, arts, intellectual property, and innovation law. CLA’s MMIP will provide young attorneys with practical training to run a successful entertainment and arts law firm. CLA’s MMIP requires participants to offer affordable representation to clients of modest means in the creative arts and innovation community.
Program status: operational as of August 2014.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
The New Solo Practitioner Incubator
Monterey College of Law
Mission: To provide reduced costs legal help for residents of Monterey County.
Program status: operational as of September 2014.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Public Interest Advocacy Collaborative
Mission: Ensuring the public interest has consistent legal representation. We recognize that public interest legal representation must be made more accessible and affordable. We seek to accomplish our mission by combining legal experience with talent, energy, enthusiasm, and idealism to provide reduced cost representation, or where appropriate, pro bono representation; and by increasing the number of public interest legal advocates.
Our mission consists of three components: (1) Train law students and attorneys how to advocate in the public interest and how to make a living, in part or whole, doing so; (2) Advise and organize community groups with public interest purposes; and (3) Advocate on behalf of the public interest – on a diverse range of matters – that might otherwise go unrepresented.
Program status: operational as of January 2015 (partially operational, providing representation and advice)
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: resources will expand as organization grows |
X |
RoyseLaw Community Legal Services
Mission: The program has two components: (1) estates and trusts for low income individuals and (2) business and corporate law for startups.
Program status: operational as of Fall 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | X |
Sustainable Economies Law Center Fellowship Program
Mission: The purpose of the fellowship is to provide training, mentorship, hands-on experience, networking, and other resources to attorneys beginning new transactional law practices, legal nonprofits, and other projects to serve the legal needs of worker cooperatives, housing cooperatives, renewable energy cooperatives, community-owned enterprises, urban farms, local currencies, land trusts, and other enterprises building local sustainable economies.
Program status: operational as of September 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Whittier Legal Access Program
Whittier Law School
Mission: To help recent law school graduates develop their own practices while at the same time help the community get access to affordable legal services.
Program status: operational as of January 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Stipends and online networking support may be available. Participants are given access to low cost malpractice insurance. |
X |
Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice
Mission: Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice is an 18 month-long incubator program that prepares socially conscious and entrepreneurial attorneys to launch solo firms that seek to bridge the justice gap in Colorado. LEJ provides training, mentoring, resources, and support to attorneys and trains them to use predictable, reasonable, and transparent pricing to serve Coloradans who fall into the justice gap. This group earns too much money to qualify for legal aid services and not enough money to afford traditional legal market rates. LEJ attorneys utilize creative and innovative pricing, such as flat fees and unbundled services, as well as the latest in technology to serve these clients and to create thriving and sustainable law firms.
Program status: operational since June 2019
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Connecticut Community Law Center (CCLC)
University of Connecticut School of Law and the Hartford County Bar Association
Mission: Provide legal services at a modest cost to clients who could not otherwise afford private counsel and would not receive vital representation. CCLC will enable lawyers to establish solo practices in a supportive environment, and the program will provide its lawyers with training and mentoring by experienced legal professionals.
Program status: operational as of March 2017
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Resources provided to participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Justice Legal Center at the Center for Family Justice
Mission: To create a self-sustaining incubator program that provides excellent and affordable legal services, and will produce lawyers who are skilled and committed to representing low-and moderate-income clients, and are able to establish and maintain successful law practices.
Program status: operational as of January 2017
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
FIU LAW Practice
Florida International University College of Law
Mission: Our mission is to increase access to justice for those who seek it while building relationships within the local community. Too often low- and moderate-income local families who do not qualify for free legal services opt not to hire an attorney because of the prohibitive costs. As an institutional member of the local community, the Florida International University College of Law is committed to providing solutions bridging this access to justice gap. FIU LAW Practice will offer affordable, low cost legal services in the family law area to low- and moderate-income families who do not qualify for free legal services. FIU LAW Practice will assist modest income families falling within the 125% and 200% poverty guidelines by providing affordable legal services in the family law area.
FIU LAW Practice will also serve as a legal incubator for recent law graduates, admitted to the Florida Bar. The incubator combines approaches used in medical residency programs with those used in a business incubator setting. The goal of this hybrid, apprentice-style approach is to assist new lawyers through both practical training and mentorship as they launch their careers.
Program status: operational as of August 2017
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Nova Southeastern University | Shepard Broad College of Law Legal Incubator
Mission: To provide resources for recent law school graduates to attain legal and business skills enabling them to launch a solo or small firm practice while expanding legal services for the veteran and modest income community.
Program status: operational as of March 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources |
The Legal LABB, Inc.
Mission: The Mission of The Legal L.A.B.B. is to break the barriers to legal access, by providing legal resources and education to low to moderate income clients. The Legal L.A.B.B. bridges the gap between attorneys and recent law school graduates who want to learn how to develop profitable and rewarding law practices, and individuals of modest means who need access to legal representation at affordable rates, yet do not qualify for legal aid. The goal of The Legal L.A.B.B. through our two main programs, The Lawyer L.A.B.B. and The Access L.A.B.B., is to help attorneys accelerate the launch of solo practices serving low and middle-income clients in a wide array of practice areas thereby bridging the gap to legal access. Local communities benefit from access to legal assistance. Attorneys benefit from a shared community and office space, free resources. mentoring and training.
Program status: operational as of February 2018
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Resources provided to participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Free practice management software | X |
Lawyers for Equal Justice
Mission: Lawyers for Equal Justice (L4EJ) is an incubator program that provides a springboard for newer lawyers to start innovative, socially-conscious, and sustainable law practices providing affordable legal services to low- and moderate-income Georgians.
Program status: operational as of March 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: software and subsidized printing | X |
Hawai'i Emerging Legal Practitioners (HELP) Access to Justice Project
William S. Richardson School of Law, Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, and Volunteer Legal Services Hawai'i.
Mission: The program is designed to support beginning lawyers who wish to develop solo or small-firm practices that will promote access to legal services for low and moderate-income residents throughout Hawai'i, including both rural and urban O'ahu, as well as the counties of Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i.
Program status: operational as of Fall 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources |
Justice Entrepreneurs Project
Chicago Bar Foundation
Program status: operational as of June 2013
Mission: The JEP is an incubator for recent law school graduates to start their own socially conscious law firms. The goal is to expand legal services to low and moderate income people by developing new models through which lawyers in solo or small practices can sustainably provide affordable services to these clients.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources | X |
Solo & Small Practice Incubator
IIT Chicago–Kent College of Law
Mission: To assist in the development of newly admitted attorneys in an "incubator" environment that provides an array of business support resources. The aim of the one–year program is to provide recent Chicago–Kent graduates valuable training, ongoing education and the tools necessary to build a solo or small firm practice.
Program status: operational as of November 2012.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Free practice management software through Clio | X |
Legal Innovators for Tomorrow (LIFT) Fellowship Program
Louisiana State Bar Association
Program status: operational as of February 2014
Mission: The Legal Innovators for Tomorrow (LIFT) Fellowship Program will provide a one to two-year fellowship for young lawyers with 0-5 years of practice experience seeking to develop an innovative, public interest-oriented solo or small firm practice. The LIFT program is designed to support these lawyers in developing cutting-edge practices, sustaining profitable careers and serving the public interest through excellent legal services. In partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association, LIFT Fellows are supported in reaching these goals through resources such as mentoring, CLEs, practice management training, networking and referrals. Overall, the purpose of the LIFT Fellowship Program is to: assist new attorneys in developing successful, innovative solo and small practices; encourage public-interest and social justice oriented law practice; and provide affordable professional legal services for modest-income clients.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources |
Incubator Program
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
Mission: To train new lawyers by providing skills development focused on best practices for solo practitioners interested in social justice law practice and provide increased legal services and access to justice in the local community for individuals of low and moderate means.
Program status: operational as of January 2015.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Free case management online resource |
X |
Mission: To provide increased access to justice for Maine citizens of modest means, and to give recent law school graduates the business expertise and legal experience to run a solo or small firm practice.
Program status: operational as of September 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Network of experienced attorneys available for consult; programming on business and substantive legal issues. | X |
Justice Bridge Legal Center
University of Massachusetts School of Law
Program status: operational as of August 2014; separate incubator offices in downtown Boston and New Bedford, MA
Mission: To empower recent law school graduates interested in building solo/small firm practices serving modest means clients who cannot otherwise afford traditional legal rates.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Assistance with website design; training in innovative legal services delivery opportunities; case management software; legal research software. | X |
Lawyers for Affordable Justice, Inc.
Independent Nonprofit originally formed by Boston College Law School, Boston University School of Law, and Northeastern University School of Law
Mission: The mission of LAJ will be to provide high quality, affordable legal services to modest-means individuals, families, and emerging enterprises in the Greater Boston area, while at the same time preparing recent graduates of those law schools to operate sustainable solo or small law firms, and creating replicable, innovative means of delivering legal services through advanced technology, social media, and unbundling.
Program status: operational as of January 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Assistance with website design; training in innovative legal services delivery opportunities; case management software; legal research software. | X |
Solo & Small Firm Incubator Program
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Mission: The UDM Solo & Small Firm Incubator Program is designed to provide a supportive environment for select new law graduates who are committed to beginning a solo or small firm practice serving low and moderate income individuals.
Program status: operational as of October 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In-person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Collaborative Community Law Initiative
Mission: The Collaborative Community Law Initiative (CCLI) has two equally important purposes. First, it will teach recent graduates from Mitchell Hamline School of Law (and its predecessor schools, William Mitchell College of Law and Hamline University School of Law) skills necessary to establish small community-based law practices serving low-income clients. Second, CCLI will increase the availability of affordable legal services to a client population which is financially ineligible for legal assistance through existing Minnesota legal nonprofits.
Program status: operational as of November 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources |
UMKC Solo and Small Firm Incubator
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Program status: operational as of January 2011
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources | X |
Associates Fellowship Program
Rutgers School of Law
Program status: operational as of February 2014
Mission: To provide recent graduates with extensive supervised training while they provide quality legal services to the low bono community.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Course work in substantive and practice areas each day (organized like medical rounds). Participants are post-doctoral fellows of the Law School enrolled in these classes, and therefore are eligible for loan deferral and (if needed) additional student loans. All fellows are on full "scholarship" covering tuition costs for their enrollment, and they receive $30,000 per year stipend. | X |
Entrepreneurs in Community Lawyering
New Mexico State Bar Foundation with the State Bar of New Mexico, the University of New Mexico School of Law, New Mexico Access to Justice Commission and New Mexico Legal Aid
Mission: To train new attorneys to be successful solo practitioners; Ensure that moderate-income New Mexicans have access to affordable legal services; and Expand legal services in rural areas of New Mexico.
Program status: operational as of October 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Subsidized office space | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Mandatory Bar Association dues paid | X |
Access to Justice Incubator
Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Program status: operational as of Feburary 2014
Mission: The mission of the Access to Justice Incubator is to fill a critical gap in the access to legal services for low and moderate-income persons in Nassau County, New York, while at the same time providing an opportunity for recent graduates of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University to gain practical legal experience and inculcate a life-long commitment to pro bono service. With these goals in mind, the Incubator will work in consultation with the bench and bar to identify critical areas of need for civil legal services in our community. The Incubator will serve as a bridge from the classroom to full-time legal practice, emphasizing the importance of professional obligations to serve the public interest. Fellows will be closely supervised as they are trained to provide the full spectrum of representation for clients and will be taught to hone the skills of reflective practice. The program creators believe strongly in the value of collaborative learning and professional development and fellows will be encouraged to work together and provide constructive feedback to one another. As recent graduates gain experience in the representation of clients, they will be pushed to consider the systemic challenges faced by many individuals who are seeking full access to justice in the legal system.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources |
ArtWorks Legal Incubator and Residency Program
Merchitect Development Institute, Inc., Waseme PLLC
Mission: ArtWorks is a non-profit program with dual objectives: (1)serving professional needs of new and transitioning attorneys; (2) increased availability of accessible legal services to emerging innovative businesses and entrepreneurs.
Program status: inaugurated in 2016; updated and fully operational in 2020
Organizational Details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space |
|
Subsidized office space |
X |
A stipend or other financial contribution |
X
|
Mentoring on substantive legal issues |
X
|
Opportunities to shadow lawyers |
X
|
Assistance and training with practice management issues |
X
|
Free or subsidized CLE programming |
X
|
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance |
X
|
Online networking |
X
|
In-person networking |
X
|
Programming on client development |
X
|
Case referrals |
X
|
Pro bono opportunities |
X
|
Legal research resources |
X
|
Other resources: Health and malpractice insurance, bar dues, computer, printer, copier, and typical firm overhead
|
X
|
Community Justice Center of Long Island (CJCLI)
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Mission: To support Touro Law graduates as they create solo practices with a social justice mission.
Program status: operational as of November 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources | X |
Court Square Law Project
New York City Bar Association and the City University of New York School of Law
Mission: The Court Square Law Project was created by the New York City Bar Association and the City University of New York School of Law to provide high-quality civil legal services to moderate-income clients and jobs to recent law school graduates. This unique partnership will address the persistent justice gap in America and the professional crisis that continues to affect new lawyers.
Program status: operational as of February 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | X |
Pace Community Law Practice
Pace University School of Law
Mission: The PCLP is a unique "legal residency" and incubator program that trains and supervises recent law graduates as they represent clients for the first time, while providing desperately needed legal assistance to underserved communities. The economic downturn of recent years has increased the number of people in need of legal services, while creating a shortage of jobs for law school graduates seeking public interest careers. The PCLP sees these challenges as an opportunity to reinvigorate community-based legal practice, in which solo practitioners and small firms charge moderate fees while providing affordable, quality legal services in their communities. The PCLP charges moderate, affordable fees to those who are able to pay, and represents many indigent clients pro bono.
Program status: operational as of September 2012.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Full time supervision and mentoring by the Assistant Director/Supervising Attorney |
X |
Resident Associate Mentoring Program (RAMP)
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Mission: To place recent graduates in full-time associate or legal counsel positions in law firms or in-house legal departments for one year, with supportive training provided by the law school.
Program status: operational as of October 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources: CLE and other training; monthly meetings to discuss relevant issues, such as the review process, developing business, etc. | X |
Elon Law Legal Incubator
Elon Law School
Mission: To provide training for new lawyers to become successful solo practitioners and to provide legal services to underserved residents.
Program status: operational as of October 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Office services such as printing, copying, scanning, etc. | X |
Akron Bar Association Incubator Program
Mission: The purpose of the Incubator Program is two-fold: To provide support to new attorneys in Summit County seeking to establish solo or small firm practices; and provide legal services to low income and modest means clients.
Program status: operational as of September 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Cleveland-Marshall Solo Practice Incubator
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University
Mission: To assist Cleveland-Marshall graduates in building law practices; to contribute to the transition in legal education toward more practice-oriented instruction; to contribute to the evolution in business models for legal services delivery; and to provide a laboratory for academic study of living law firms in operation.
Program status: operational as of January 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: a package of free and discounted business and law practice services negotiated by their partner, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar. | X |
Mission: To accelerate the successful development of new lawyers in an environment that provides an array of professional support resources.
Program status: operational as of April 2011
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources | X |
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services
Program status: operational as of April 2014
Mission: To provide legal services to moderate income individuals and non-profits on environmental and land use matters, through a 2 year residency program designed to incubate small start-up firms. The program is regional, starting in Pennsylvania and Ohio and eventually expanding to West Virginia.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | X |
Tulsa Immigrant Resource Network
University of Tulsa College of Law's Boesche Legal Clinic
Mission: TIRN is a service-oriented program that has three goals: (1) provide members of the non-citizen community in Tulsa with legal representation in immigration matters; (2) educate the immigrant community and service providers who work with the immigrant community on immigration matters; and (3) create and train a network of local attorneys to provide pro bono representation to vulnerable immigrants.
TIRN is a post-graduate fellowship program in which two fellows are employed full-time for two years each. The fellows receive a salary and university benefits. They are considered employees of the University of Tulsa and thus have full use of all of the University's resources.
Program status: operational as of 2008
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: University employee benefits; office equipment, including desk top computers, printers, scanners and they are a part of the University of Tulsa's on line network. |
X |
The Commons Law Center
Mission: The Commons Law Center has a mission to make legal services more accessible to more people. We serve people between 125 - 400% of the federal poverty level and businesses and organizations with annual budgets under a million dollars. The Center practices law with an aim to innovate. Three-year fellowships for three new lawyers each year will combine mentorship, scholarship and community education and enable the Center to achieve its mission.
Program status: operational as of January 2017
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: The fellows will be full-time employees of Catalyst Law Institute. Starting salary will be between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. | X |
The Legal Empowerment Accelerator Program
Clackamas Women’s Services
Mission: To provide cost-free and sliding scale holistic and comprehensive services civil legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and/or elder abuse in Clackamas County.
Program status: will be operational Winter 2018
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Resources provided to participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services
(click to see full profile in Ohio section)
Pitt Legal Services Incubator
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Mission: The Incubator is designed to support recent graduates whose ambitions are to create sustainable solo or small firm practices that will bring affordable and quality legal services to the underserved communities of the region.
Innovation in the delivery of legal services is a critical theme of the Pitt Law Incubator. The Incubator assists the lawyers in developing innovative ways to deliver quality legal services to clients whose financial means are insufficient to afford the services of the conventional law firms.
Earlier this summer the ABA awarded the Pitt Incubator a Catalyst Grant for the purpose of hiring an Innovation Fellow, a part-time position. The Fellows are responsible for the development of a working compendium of innovations in outreach and delivery of legal services to underserved communities. We will share this compendium not only with our incubator lawyers but also with other incubators across the nation and the practicing community generally.
Program status: operational as of January 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Widener University/Dauphin County Bar Association Incubator Program
Widener University School of Law and Dauphin County Bar Association
Mission: The mission is two-fold: First, to help students interested in solo or small firm practice get some experience that will enable them to begin the practice of law more smoothly and efficiently, and second to provide assistance to low-income residents of Dauphin County.
Program status: operational as of January 2015
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources: |
Collaborative Legal Incubator Program (CLIP)
East River Legal Services
Mission: CLIP provides access to the legal system for vulnerable, low to moderate-income clients by training lawyers to build sustainable and socially conscious legal practices.
Program status: operational since November 2015; launched with its first cohort October 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Holistic Legal Incubator
The Justice Initiative
Mission: The Justice Initiative has developed a Holistic Legal Incubator (HLI) to provide training and supervision for attorneys interested in both criminal and civil law and for social workers interested in forensic practice. The mission of the HLI is to develop practitioners who are motivated to learn how to engage in client-centered, holistic practice and who intend to offer meaningful and dignified assistance to clients through inter-professional collaboration to ensure the best possible legal and life outcomes.
Program status: Program is operational as of July 1, 2019.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Collaborative work environment that includes master's level social work students | X |
Entrepreneurs in Community Lawyering
Dallas Bar Association
Mission: To create a pipeline of socially conscious lawyers who are well equipped to launch a financially sustainable solo or small firm practice that incorporates clients of modest means.
Program status: Program is operational as of July 2019.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | |
Other: Practicum and coaching on law practice management by an adjunct-expert on law practice management | X |
Texas Apprenticeship Network
Texas A&M University School of Law
Mission: To help train and connect recent graduates who are committed to solo practice.
Program status: funding received April 2016; launching September 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other: Practicum and coaching on law practice management by an adjunct-expert on law practice management | X |
Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI)
State Bar of Texas
Program status: operational as of April 2017
Mission: We expand access to justice by supporting recently licensed lawyers in establishing sustainable practices serving for low- and modest-income Texans. Our goals are: 1) to match beginning lawyers who want to build their own practices with Texans’ unmet legal needs, and 2) to establish a model and curriculum for similar incubator projects throughout Texas.
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Mission: Open Legal Services serves two primary missions: 1) To provide services on a sliding scale to clients who would be otherwise ineligible for pro bono legal services, but cannot afford private counsel; and 2) To create jobs and provide internship and fellowship placements for new attorneys in under-served legal markets throughout Utah.
Program status: operational as of November 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | |
Other: subsidized medical and dental benefits | X |
University Law Group
University of Utah S. J. Quinney College of Law
Mission: To serve the low bono segment of society and to train post graduates.
Program status: operational as of November 2011
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources |
Vermont Lawyer Incubator Project
Vermont Bar Association and Vermont Law School
Mission: The program's goals are to: launch new lawyers in small or solo practice; attract and keep new lawyers who desire to practice in Vermont; serve underserved populations and geographic (rural) areas; support new lawyers with relevant CLEs, help them avoid ethical problems, and build their competence and confidence; and refresh the bar (and ultimately the bench).
Program status: operational as of May 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: Participants can audit one course each semester in any of the 3 semesters at the law school, free of charge; they have free membership in the Inns of Court and free bar membership; they get general support (such as through weekly Rounds which address a broad range of issues) and targeted trainings in addition to CLE's in areas identified by the project and by the participants. |
X |
Richmond Legal Development Center
Mission: The RLDC provides an environment for young attorneys to bridge the gap between the study and practice of law by providing a collaborative environment for young attorneys to establish their own practices. Attorneys participating in the RLDC also receive mentoring and instruction from experienced local attorneys and other professionals.
Program status: operational as of September 2013
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | X |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | |
Legal research resources | |
Other resources |
Family Law Fellowship
Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP)
Mission: The Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides access to justice through free civil legal aid to low income residents of East and Northeast King County Washington and domestic violence legal aid throughout King County. To address a high need for free civil legal aid in family law cases, ELAP is instituting an annual Family Law Fellowship that allows attorneys without family law experience who are interested in starting their own practice (“Fellows”) the opportunity to get hands on experience with starting their own legal practice and learning the practice of family law.
Program status: operational as of April 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | X |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Low Bono Incubator Program
Seattle University School of Law
Program status: operational as of January 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Other resources: 1) Participants have access to use the Moderate Means Program which is a partnership between the law schools and the WA State Bar Association where supervised law students do intakes of moderate means people in the areas of housing, family and consumer and refer them to attorneys willing to charge reduced fees. If the Incubator Attorneys are accepting clients with family, housing or consumer problems, they can get referrals from this program. 2) The space that the participants have access to is a co-worker space offered by a social justice and innovation oriented company that facilitates weekly networking and training opportunities across disciplines/fields/industries. |
X |
Mission: To provide professional practice experience to recent graduates from Dominican law schools in order to help to increase access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable groups of society.
Program status: operational as of April 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Insaf Centre for Legal Excellence
Mission: To bolster an ambience of pro bono and “low bono” legal aid mechanisms and improve the capacity of young lawyers so that they are better able to create and sustain economically viable solo or small firm practices that address the unmet legal needs of moderate to low-income individuals and families.
Program status: operational as of February 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
National Federation of Associations of Roma Women Incubator
Mission: To support Roma lawyers who wish to start solo or small firm practices that serve the unmet legal needs of Roma communities in Andalusia, Spain.
Program status: operational as of February 2016
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | X |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | X |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | X |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | X |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |
Symbiosis Law School, Symbiosis International University in Pune, India
Mission: To serve the vulnerable classes of society – children, women, senior citizens, third gender, farmers, labourers etc. – through the capacity building of incubator trainees.
Program status: inaugurated in 2010; updated and fully operational in 2014
Organizational details:
Types of cases handled:
Participants:
Free office space | X |
Subsidized office space | |
A stipend or other financial contribution | |
Mentoring on substantive legal issues | X |
Opportunities to shadow lawyers | X |
Assistance and training with practice management issues | |
Free or subsidized CLE programming | |
Free or subsidized malpractice insurance | |
Online networking | X |
In–person networking | |
Programming on client development | X |
Case referrals | X |
Pro bono opportunities | X |
Legal research resources | X |