NCBA Members Serving Low-Wealth Entrepreneurs Through Entrepreneurs Assistance Program

NCBA members are volunteering their time and expertise this winter and spring to support low-wealth entrepreneurs through the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s NC Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Program (formerly known as NC LEAP).

Founded in 2007 as a project of the NC Bar Association Business Law and Corporate Council Sections, Entrepreneurs Assistance Program coordinates attorney volunteers to provide pro bono business law advice and counsel to small business owners through webinars and clinics held in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the state that advise small business owners. Partners include Prospera in Charlotte, Mountain BizWorks in Asheville, and the Small Business Center Network with offices statewide.

Through February and March, attorney volunteers are presenting a series of webinars to provide free legal information to help low-wealth entrepreneurs and small business owners learn more about commonly-asked legal questions and issues.

On February 2, attorney Donna Ray Berkelhammer (Legal Direction) presented “When is the right time to form an entity?”; on February 18 attorney Cristal Robinson (Robinson Law) will present “Getting Started for Entrepreneurs”; and on March 9 attorney Kristy Cook (Mod Law Firm) will present “Contracts: Why the Heck do I Need them for My Small Business?”. This fall, attorney Brian Meacham (Smith Anderson) presented on commercial lease agreements and attorney Lisa Gordon Stella (Law Office of Lisa Gordon Stella) presented “Employment Law 101.” These webinars are recorded and posted on the NC LEAP webpage for viewing any time.

Thank you to the many attorney, paralegal and law student volunteers who help the North Carolina Bar Foundation be a power of greater good through pro bono and public service programs that serve communities across North Carolina.