Justice Entrepreneurs Project

Program Overview

Borrowing principles from successful incubators in the business and technology fields and with the help of a strong network of partners, the JEP provides training, mentoring, and other resources and support in a collaborative office setting to help participating lawyers establish sustainable law practices that provide affordable services to low and middle-income people and small businesses. Core tenets of the JEP’s robust 18-month program include setting predictable prices rather than using the traditional billable hour, offering unbundled and flexible services, and leveraging technology to create efficiencies. 

The CBF originally developed and launched the JEP—and continues to provide core funding and a variety of other support—by bringing Chicago’s legal community together to support and collaborate in the program. A diverse and talented Advisory Board provides strategic direction and oversight of the JEP, guided by an overarching JEP strategic plan.

Program Partners

The JEP program would not be possible without the dedicated and diverse network of partners from throughout the legal, technology, business and philanthropic communities who are providing key pro bono and in-kind support. What sets JEP lawyers apart, what gives them an edge as they expand access to justice, are the resources available through the JEP and the CBF. Interested in partnering with the JEP? Contact Samoane Williams, Director of the JEP, at swilliams@chicagobarfoundation.org.