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.

Applications for the Spring 2020 cohort are due by March 16, 2020.  Please contact Executive Director Laurie Gilbertson at execdir@lejco.org if you would like to submit a late application for the June 2020 cohort.  We will be accepting applications beyond the original deadline.

Program Dates

Spring 2020 Cohort

March 16, 2020 – Applications due (We will now accept applications beyond this date)
Mid-May, 2020 – Invitations extended
June 8, 2020 – Program begins

Fall 2020 Cohort

August 19, 2020 – Applications due
Early October, 2020 – Invitations extended
November 2, 2020 – 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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