Apply to join Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice

At LEJ, we prepare talented and entrepreneurial lawyers in Colorado to build innovative, socially conscious, and sustainable law practices serving low and middle-income legal consumers throughout the state. We believe in the power of entrepreneurial lawyers to make a difference as solo practitioners in the quest to ensure access to justice for all.

Are you a lawyer interested in obtaining the skills and resources necessary to transition to or launch an innovative and successful law practice? Are you interested in making a positive impact on your community as a social entrepreneur?  LEJ offers access to training, mentoring, a network of like-minded individuals and subsidized resources to kick-start a legal practice targeted at the underserved middle market of potential clients.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you do not need to wait until the deadline to submit your information.

Program Dates

Spring 2021 Cohort

March 22, 2021 – Applications due
Mid-May, 2021 – Invitations extended
June 7, 2021 – Program begins

 

 

 

Fall 2021 Cohort

August 23, 2021 – Applications due
Early October, 2021 – Invitations extended
November 1, 2021 – Program begins

 

 

The Right Lawyer

LEJ is seeking lawyers who are:

  • Dedicated to establishing a long-term practice that serves the legal needs of low and middle-income individuals and small businesses throughout Colorado.
  • Committed to providing access to justice and using the practice of law to enrich the lives of legal consumers and build better communities.
  • Interested in using technology and innovation to find new ways of providing cost-effective legal services.
  • Enthusiastic about the prospect of becoming a social entrepreneur.
  • Excited to explore new ideas about problem solving and the practice of law by using a collaborative approach with other program lawyers, leaders in the legal profession, the community and legal consumers.

Qualities of Participants

Participants must:

  • Have an entrepreneurial spirit and, preferably, a track record of entrepreneurial, innovative or creative activity.
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to public service and access to justice.
  • Have the ability to learn and apply new skills in high-need areas of law and inspire confidence in clients and the legal community.
  • Have work experience indicating an aptitude for successfully operating your own business.
  • Be creative, flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
  • Be a member of the Colorado bar in good standing at the start of the program (those who have taken the CO bar exam and are awaiting exam results may apply; acceptance into the program will be conditioned on passing the bar exam and being admitted to practice).
  • Commit to 18 months of active participation in LEJ, and plan to continue practicing after participation in LEJ.

Benefits

Lawyers chosen to participate in the program will receive:

  • Top-notch training on substance, skills and law practice management.
  • Coaching and assistance on business issues and client development.
  • Mentoring from experienced and respected practitioners.
  • A structured pro-bono program providing hands-on legal experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal aid community and the legal service delivery system.
  • Shared office space in a collaborative environment at LawBank that fosters innovation and peer mentoring.
  • Practice resources, including law practice management technology and legal research tools.
  • Access to a variety of helpful networks through the CBA and other partners.
  • The opportunity to collaborate with peers and other successful practitioners.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit the following:

  1. a resume,
  2. three to five professional references,
  3. a copy of your law school transcript, and
  4. a statement of interest of no more than three pages: (1) describing your vision for your practice (including practice areas and target markets) and your participation in LEJ and (2) describing a circumstance when you have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative or another experience that demonstrates your ability to be a successful social entrepreneur.    

Applications for Cohorts are due by their dates listed above. Please contact Laurie Gilbertson at execdir@lejco.org if you are interested in applying for a cohort but have missed the deadline.

Apply Now

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