Get Legal Help
While most legal assistance is provided by for-profit law firms, there are a few non-profit, low-cost, and free legal resources available for small businesses. If you need to find legal help and none of these providers above can help, you may want to consider looking for a certified socially-responsible or green-certified firm. Chambers and other business associations are also a good way to meet professionals and get recommendations.
Choose the Right Lawyer
In addition to associations and referrals, you'll want to talk to an attorney before determining if you want to hire him/her. Lawyers.com is a free website with information to help individuals better understand the law and find attorneys.
Legal Services for Entrepreneurs (LSE)
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR) established Legal Services for Entrepreneurs (LSE), an economic justice project, to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals who want to start or develop for-profit businesses. LSE attorneys work with budding entrepreneurs on legal issues such as incorporation/entity formation, trademarks, leases, business contracts, and zoning. LSE does not provide advice on litigation matters or business disputes. To access these Legal Resources contact Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR) via their website or call 415.543.9444
Also note that some business training organizations offer access to legal advice for clients participating in their training programs.
B-Corporations certified as "benefit" corporations, based on social and environmental criteria. Search for local attorneys and law firms that are B-Corporations on BCorporation.net.