Interested in opening your own practice and bringing justice to everyday people? Apply Now! Visit dallasbar.org/incubatorprogram to apply. Application deadline: Friday, July 17, 2020.
The Dallas Bar Association launched “Entrepreneurs in Community Lawyering” in 2019 as the first local legal incubator program in Dallas. The incubator helps socially conscious lawyers start a financially sustainable solo or small firm practice that caters to a lower income clientele.
WHY IS THE PROGRAM NEEDED?
When faced with legal issues such as wrongful foreclosure, child custody, probate issues and bankruptcy, many moderate-income Americans are deprived access to justice because they cannot find an affordable lawyer. In Dallas 34% of children in Dallas lived below the poverty level before the COVID-19 crisis. With more than 1.2 million jobs lost in Texas in April alone, the needs of struggling families have only grown. At the same time, there are lawyers who would like to address the needs of these everyday people but lack the practical legal and business skills necessary to launch and sustain a financially viable solo or small firm. The incubator program fills this gap.
PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE:
Extensive training on establishing a successful practice; On-going coaching by dedicated solo/small firm practitioner; Additional mentoring by lawyers in successful specialized practices; Access to practice management resources; Networking/business development opportunities; Use of a professional office space for client meetings.
PROGRAM GOALS:
Assist new lawyers who want to become successful solo practitioners and provide affordable legal services for modest-means citizens in Dallas County.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Licensed attorneys with a strong interest in starting a solo or small firm practice serving a modest-means clientele. All participants must complete an application and interview process and be invited to participate.
Jessica Smith is communications and media director for the Dallas Bar Association and the editor of Headnotes.