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.
- Through a statewide roadshow visiting locations like Mena, Morrilton, and Little Rock, among others.
- Every other Friday during the Fall and Spring school semester.
- Fall 2025 Schedule:
- Microsoft Teams sessions available for those outside of Northwest Arkansas
- Time:
- 30-minute sessions available between 12:00 PM - 2:45 PM
- Date & Locations:
- August 29, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library
- September 12, 2025 (Food Entrepreneurs Exclusive) – AFIC@MCO in Springdale
- September 26, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library
- October 10, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library
- October 24, 2025 – Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub in Fayetteville
- November 7, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library
- November 21, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library
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
VIDEO RESOURCES: This collection of video trainings is designed to help you build or scale a business. The free series is self-paced and included sessions on a variety of fundamental entrepreneurial topics - including key topics in entrepreneurial law.
FORM DOCUMENTS: Form documents are available to entrepreneurs participating in an ELP Checkup. Starting in Spring 2026, entrepreneurs will be able to access a growing digital library of legal forms online, along with recorded and live webinars that walk through how to complete each form.
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:
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:
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