Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic - Our Services

The Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic offers legal counsel to small businesses and nonprofit clients in the Philadelphia area. Clients are represented by upper level law students working under the supervision of faculty who are experienced legal practitioners and members of the Pennsylvania Bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What services are provided by the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic?
• Who can become a client?
• How do I become a client?
• When are clients served?
• How much does it cost?
• Does the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic offer other services?

What services are provided by the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic?

The Clinic offers transactional legal representation—that is, representation on matters related to starting and operating a business or a nonprofit organization. Examples include:

• Forming a legal entity (such as corporations and limited liability companies)
• Filing applications for federal tax exemption
• Drafting employment and shareholder agreements
• Facilitating real estate development activities and closings
• Advising on copyright, trademark and confidentiality issues

Who can become a client?

We select clients based on our determination of their ability to afford counsel at the prevailing market rate and the teaching needs of the program. We encourage any Philadelphia-area nonprofit organization or business in need of legal representation on a specific matter related to starting or operating a business or organization to apply for our services.

How do I become a client?

All prospective clients should contact the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic by completing our ONLINE APPLICATION or, if you do not have Internet access, by calling our main number (215.898.8044). If qualified, the applicant will have a preliminary telephone interview. After the preliminary interview if the applicant's legal needs align with our teaching needs, the prospective client is then invited to come to the office for an intake interview with a law student. After the interview, those whom we agree to represent receive an engagement letter detailing the scope and terms of the representation. When the client has signed and returned a copy of the engagement letter to the Clinic accepting these terms, the representation officially begins.

When are clients served?

We serve the majority of our clients during the academic year (September-December and January-May). However, we are able to serve a smaller number of clients during the summer months on a limited number of matters. For the greatest chance of obtaining service we recommend that you contact the Clinic during the academic year.

How much does it cost?

The legal representation is free. Clients are required to pay all filing fees and other costs associated with their legal needs.

Does the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic offer other services?

Upon request, the Clinic will present workshops on a variety of legal issues such as: choice of business entity, legal issues pertaining to non-profits, the basics of trademark, copyright and other intellectual property law matters. For dates, topics and locations, please contact us at 215.898.8044 or elc@law.upenn.edu

We look forward to hearing from you!