What can the IJ Clinic do for you?

Instead of being a walk-in service, the IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship forges meaningful, long-term relationships with a rotating group of entrepreneurial clients and focuses on helping them achieve their dreams.

Some of the legal services we provide to for-profit entities includes:

  • Set up a business organization.
  • Structure relationships among founders and investors.
  • Negotiate a lease.
  • Draft and negotiate contracts.
  • Advise on employees and independent contractors.
  • Protect intellectual property.
  • Apply for licenses and permits.
  • Understand and comply with regulations.

To be considered to become a client or if you hit a legal roadblock because of licensing or permitting, contact us at [email protected] or (773) 834-3129. Please be aware the IJ Clinic does not offer walk-in appointments and is not a drop-in clinic during normal business hours .

While we represent a limited number of clients at a time, we are happy to refer you to other legal services and share additional resources for entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.

Seeking help with non-profit formation or representation?

If your nonprofit will advance racial equality and/or serve low-income communities, please fill out the Application for Nonprofit Startup Legal Assistance with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, if you have:

  • A list of proposed directors and their resumes
  • Business plan, including description of activities and fundraising plan
  • Proposed first-year budget

If you’re don’t have the above criteria or are not ready to apply, we recommend attending the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Emerging Nonprofit Bootcamp. If you have questions about whether the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights can help you or your organization, please contact Angela Dear at [email protected].

Still haven’t found what you need?

Housing discrimination issues and all other pro bono legal matters, please call the CARPLS’ Legal Aid Hotline at 312-738-9200.

IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship