A small practice incubator launching local lawyers for local needs across the nation
In a recent report by the American Bar Association, twenty-six states in the US have fewer than three lawyers per 1,000 residents. Most lawyers practice in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. Many legal fields are also underrepresented, disproportionately impacting historically disenfranchised people.
The Mitchell Hamline School of Law Legal Launch Incubator (“LegalLaunch”) is a legal incubator focused on addressing the access to justice issues. We seek to increase the number of community-based lawyers – those who serve clients in their immediate local community. To address this issue, LegalLaunch supports 3L students and recent alumni to develop viable and sustainable law practices over an 18-month period. LegalLaunch participants receive free resources, mentoring, legal technology tools, practice management, substantive law training, networking and referral opportunities.
The goals of LegalLaunch are to: support early-career lawyers by providing mentorship, resources, and business development training to help them establish sustainable and successful practices. We want to create a space where meaningful, accessible legal service aligns with each lawyer’s journey toward building a thriving and profitable practice in their local community.
| Program Model | |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Start Up – Business Development & Strategic Planning (Months 0-3) |
| Phase 2 | Training on Substantive Law and Resources (Months 2-6) |
| Phase 3 | Practice Launch & Management Support (Months 4-18 ) |
Phase 1: Business Development & Strategic Planning
Participants will either work with the MHSL business clinic or have previously taken Lawyers as Business Owners to develop a business strategy. Using these resources, participants will develop and plan their official practice roadmap that they will ultimately put into action.
Phase 2: Training on Substantive Law and Resources
Participants will receive specialized training on innovative practice areas, law practice management skills training, and the opportunity to attend free CLEs provided through LegalLaunch. Services will be offered by MHLS librarians and professors. Free subscription to case management software is available for the initial year.
Phase 3: Practice Launch & Management Support
The attorneys will be connected with mentors, each with experience in different areas of practice. Through regular meetings in a small group setting, and networking events with a community of solo practitioners, fellows are encouraged to collaborate with peers and develop innovative practice solutions. Access to business law clinic, centers and institutes, alumni in specialty legal fields will be sustained throughout program.
Cost of Program: The program costs no money to MHSL alumni. However, participants are required to provide 40 hours of pro bono legal services to historically disenfranchised community members or nonprofits in their first year of practice. MHSL will help the participant identify opportunities for pro bono service.
How to Apply: Interested individuals can apply by completing this form. Applications are accepted from January to July each year, and programming starts in August of each year. For questions, contact the Center for Law and Business at [email protected].