Are you a lawyer interested in obtaining the skills and resources necessary to build an innovative and successful law practice targeting the middle market? Are you interested in making a positive impact on your community as a social entrepreneur? Do you value autonomy and wellbeing? If yes, then the JEP might be a good fit for you. The CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP) is seeking entrepreneurial and social justice-minded applicants for its next class of participants who will begin the program in June 2022.
The JEP is an incubator that fosters and promotes lawyers who are launching innovative, socially conscious law practices and ancillary businesses serving legal consumers of all incomes in Chicago and beyond. The JEP offers top-notch training, mentorship, subsidized resources and space, and a network of like-minded individuals to kick start a legal practice targeted at the underserved middle market of legal consumers.
Information sessions to learn more about the program will be held in a hybrid format on March 31, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and April 4, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can register for an info session here.
To apply, please submit your application packet to Jessica Bednarz, Associate Director of Innovation & the JEP, at jbednarz@chicagobarfoundation.org. Application packets must include a resume, a copy of your law school transcript, and a statement of interest of no more than 3 pages describing (1) your vision for your practice (including practice areas and target markets) and your participation in the JEP and (2) a circumstance when you have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative or another experience that demonstrates your ability to be a successful social entrepreneur. Please apply by no later than Friday, April 8, 2022 to be considered for the next JEP cohort. Two rounds of interviews will be held between mid-April and early May. Selections will be made at least three weeks prior to the June 6, 2022 start date.