One of the primary barriers for early-stage entrepreneurs is the cost to obtain legal counsel. The Entrepreneurial Law Project (ELP), a collaboration between the University of Arkansas School of Law and the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, provides free access to legal education and programming for Arkansas-based entrepreneurs.
Overview
ELP’s mission is to improve access and provide legal support for entrepreneurs while educating and empowering the next generation of Arkansas attorneys.
We do this work in three main ways:
Entrepreneurial Law Checkups
This service offers brief, 30-minute consultations with pro bono business law attorneys. Entrepreneurs can ask specific legal questions, review documents, and gain guidance on self-completing legal forms. The sessions are hosted:
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Bi-weekly in Fayetteville (sessions available in-person and online via Microsoft Teams).
Register here - Fayetteville sessions
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Through a statewide roadshow visiting locations like Mena, Morrilton, and Little Rock, among others. Exact locations to be shared soon.
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Mena: Thursday, June 26, from 10:00 AM –12:00 PM
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Morrilton: Thursday, June 26, from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
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Little Rock: Friday, June 27, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Jonesboro: Friday, June 27, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Helena: Saturday, June 28, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Register here - Statewide Roadshow
Registration is required to reserve a spot, as availability is limited. These checkups aim to make legal advice accessible while involving law students and volunteer attorneys in providing support.
Form Legal Documents and Video Resources
COMING SOON: During Spring and Summer 2025, we are developing self-service legal forms and educational resources on entrepreneurial law topics such as intellectual property, funding, and business entity selection.
In Fall of 2025, Entrepreneurs will be able to access: (1) a growing library of legal forms, (2) recorded and live webinars that demonstrate form completion, and (3) educational videos that address key legal topics.
Legal Project Support
When capacity allows, we match Arkansas entrepreneurs with pro bono attorneys for specific legal projects. Entrepreneurs must first attend an Entrepreneurial Law Checkup to be considered for longer-term legal project support.
Please note: There is no guarantee that every entrepreneur will be matched with an attorney as slots for legal project support are very limited. Priority is given to entrepreneurs with limited means and high legal need. Matches depend on volunteer attorney availability and willingness to take on a pro bono project.
Additional Resource: Entrepreneurs may also seek free legal assistance, as available, from our partners at the Community and Rural Enterprise Development (CRED) Clinic at the University of Arkansas School of Law. The CRED Clinic provides support to small businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and small municipalities on various legal matters. For more information or to request services, contact Professor Peter Norman at pnorman@uark.edu or call the Clinic’s main office at (479) 575-3056. If your matter involves the kind of legal services CRED can provide, they will schedule a brief initial discussion and then send you an application form to complete. Applications received before December 15 will be considered for the Spring semester (starting in January) and applications received before August 1 will be considered for the Fall semester (starting in late August).
GETTING STARTED
ENTREPRENEURS
To get started with the Entrepreneurial Law Project:
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- Review our policies to understand how we can assist you: ELP Services & Policies.
- Register for an upcoming Entrepreneurial Law Checkup.
- Attend your scheduled consultation with an attorney.
- If your legal needs match our ongoing project support, we will discuss next steps.
- Review our policies to understand how we can assist you: ELP Services & Policies.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at lawproj@uark.edu. We look forward to supporting your entrepreneurial journey!
LAW STUDENTS
Are you a law student wanting to gain hands-on experience with businesses and startups? Complete this form to learn more about how you can get involved with the ELP and explore our pro bono opportunities: GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS
Looking for a way to give back? Join ELP in empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth across Arkansas. Your expertise can create a lasting impact.
Ready to get involved? Simply complete this form to get started: GET INVOLVED
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