Apply To The Justice Entrepreneurs Project
About The JEP Program
The Justice Entrepreneurs Project empowers lawyers to launch socially conscious and innovative law practices serving everyday people. We facilitate an 18-month program providing business development training, substantive legal training with pro bono partners, business coaching, mentorship, and heavily discounted resources including office space.
The program begins with a week-long boot camp that will kickstart participants’ practices. Thereafter, participants receive weekly business development training to grow their business for one year. Participants will also be provided structured hands-on legal training through a legal aid organization or law firm to get hands-on legal experience and a better understanding of the legal aid community and the legal service delivery system in Chicago.
During the last six months of the program, participants focus on developing fuller caseloads and receive mentoring and professional coaching. Beyond graduation, alumni continue to enjoy all program resources and a community of diverse attorneys sharing the same values and approach to their practices.
Boot camp and training sessions are held in person at the JEP Office. The time commitment and program structure vary and will range between approximately three to six hours per week depending on the participant’s practice experience at the start of the program. The program costs a total of $3,600 which is paid in increments throughout the 18-month program.
Info Sessions
Information sessions to learn more about the program are held monthly. The next info sessions are scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time on October 2, 2023 (virtual), 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Time on October 13, 2023 (virtual), 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on October 18, 2023 (hybrid), and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on October 24, 2023 (hybrid). You can register for the info sessions here.
Application Process
We currently welcome new classes in January and June each year. We are now accepting applications for the January 2024 class and will continue to accept applications through November 3, 2023.
You can apply for the program using this google form. Applications consist of (1) a resume, (2) a law school transcript, (3) a statement of interest of no more than four pages describing (a) your vision for your life and how your business will help you achieve your life vision and goals, (b) your vision for your practice (including practice areas and target markets) and your participation in the JEP, and (c) a circumstance when you have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative or another experience that demonstrates your ability to be a successful social entrepreneur, and (4) a lean business plan.
Selections will be made at least three weeks prior to the January 22, 2024 start date.