RALEIGH – A partnership of Campbell University law school, HQ Raleigh and recently launched Innovate Capital Law is going to bring legal services to startups free of charge with law students providing the support under the supervision of veteran attorneys.
The initiative is being announced Tuesday.
It’s the Innovate Capital Business Law Clinic at Campbell Law School – in Partnership with HQ Raleigh.
Legal costs can be a huge obstacle for startups, especially those with little capital in terms of dollars.
“The clinic provides a valuable resource for HQ’s Community as well as Raleigh’s entrepreneurial community by providing legal services to early stage entrepreneurs and further supports our mission to foster inclusive communities of entrepreneurs who create lasting social and economic impact,” explained HQ Raleigh Founding Partner Jason Widen.
Jim Verdonik and Benji Jones, both experienced attorneys in working with Triangle startups, lead Innovate Capital Law.
“Jim and I are very excited to be launching this pro bono business law clinic in partnership with Campbell Law School and HQ Raleigh,” Jones wrote in an email. “Any business can apply (no affiliation with HQ or Campbell required).”
In the announcement, she noted:
“Campbell Law’s startup counsel program helps bridge classroom learning and the hands-on practicing of law. With a mission to lend a hand as entrepreneurs navigate initial life-cycles and solve real world legal problems, we look forward to the day the ‘next big thing’ emerges from our collaboration.”
The Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law will work with its students to provide “on the job” experience in working with startups.
“We are so fortunate to call home one of top innovation hubs in the country, and this expansion of our school’s experiential learning program and partnership with HQ Raleigh is intended to give back and continue to foster the vibrant Triangle startup community,” added Campbell Law School Dean J. Rich Leonard.
Startups and entrepreneurs at HQ Raleigh, Campbell and NC State University who can’t afford private representation are among those eligible to work with the clinic. Others who are part of the greater Triangle area also will be eligible to participate.
“Students in the clinic will work directly with clients on a wide range of legal issues including business entity formation, financing, intellectual property protection, tax and regulatory matters, employment law, and other operational topics,” Campbell announced.
The clinic will be based at HQ Raleigh.
Those interested in the clinic’s services need to fill out an online questionaire.
