Please read the information below if you are an entrepreneur or inventor seeking intellectual property related legal help or other business related legal help from a lawyer. By clicking the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of this page, you agree to start your application and confirm your understanding of the NC LEAP program process and requirements.
APPLICATION TIME COMMITMENT
The NC LEAP application may take 45-60 minutes to complete. Due to the high number of applicants, the NC LEAP application approval process may take up to 6 weeks, between the time you submit your application and the time your case is referred to a volunteer lawyer for legal services.
FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY
NC LEAP serves entrepreneurs and inventors whose household income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and / or whose assets do not exceed $8,000. Before beginning this application, please review the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If you do not fit the financial eligibility criteria for our NC LEAP program and need help finding a lawyer, visit the NCBA Lawyer Referral Service.
SUBJECT MATTER ELIGIBILITY
NC LEAP does not provide assistance with matters involving litigation or going to court. NC LEAP volunteer attorneys can provide legal services related to the following: General Business Advice, Business Entity Formation (incorporation/business structure), Contract Drafting/Reviewing, Bankruptcy/Debt Workout, Patent, Non-Patent Intellectual Property (Copyright/Trademark/Trade Secrets/Licensing), Employment Advice, Real Estate/Commercial Leasing, Tax, Collaborative Dispute Resolution (problem-solving without going to court)
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Before beginning this online NC LEAP application please make sure that you have the following documents ready for upload. During this application, you will be asked to upload the supporting documents below. Applications will not be accepted for consideration unless these documents are uploaded or a reason is provided as to why you are unable to include them. NC LEAP accepts uploads in the following formats: PDF, Word, JPG.
1. Proof of Household Income:
You will be asked to upload your most recent available tax returns (if filed) in order for NC LEAP to verify your financial eligibility for the program.
Special Requirements:
2. Proof of Government Benefits:
If you indicate that you receive government benefits, you will be asked to upload proof that you receive those benefits. Please have proof ready to submit before you start.
NOTE: Your application will not be accepted for consideration if these documents are not submitted when requested as part of this online application. Do not begin the application if you do not have these documents available and ready for upload. The information disclosed in the application form is confidential.
Before beginning the NC LEAP application form, please read the NC LEAP Program Requirements:
REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY
PENDING LEGAL DEADLINES
INTAKE INTERVIEWS
COSTS
QUESTIONS
Failure to follow these instructions may disqualify you from NC LEAP services. By submitting the NC LEAP application form, you agree that you have read, understood and accepted the details of the NC LEAP application process and program requirements.