Daily News

WNEU Small Business Legal Clinic Accepting Applications

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small-business owners seeking legal assistance for the fall 2014 semester.

Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual-property issues relating to trademark and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses that would not otherwise have the resources to obtain these types of services. The Small Business Clinic at Western New England University School of Law has assisted more than 250 small businesses.

“The clinic is a great resource for entrepreneurs who lack the finances to retain an attorney,” said Assistant Clinical Professor of Law Robert Statchen. “By using the clinic’s services, businesses can avoid problems by getting legal issues addressed early and correctly. It also provides students with a great opportunity to get real-world experience.”

The Small Business Legal Clinic asks small business owners to submit their applications by Aug. 1. Applications received after that date will be considered if additional resources are available. Students will begin providing services in September. For more information, call the Legal Clinic at (413) 782-1469 or e-mail [email protected].

The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic was established to provide law students with an opportunity to provide practical consultation to entrepreneurs starting new and building existing small businesses in the community. The initiative strengthens alliances within the community by using the resources of the university to foster new-business development. For more information, visit www1.wne.edu/cie.