GW Law’s Access to Justice Clinic – Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship Division (NEC)

The Main Bootstrap Navigation is a crucial element of any website, providing users with easy access to different sections and pages. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Access to Justice Clinic – Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship Division (NEC) at The George Washington University Law School. This clinic offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in small business and nonprofit legal matters.

The Access to Justice Clinic – NEC is a 2-credit clinic taught by Professor Darryl Maxwell, who brings a wealth of experience in teaching Small Business and Community Economic Development courses. The clinic focuses on providing short-term counseling in a wide range of legal issues, including assisting with the formation of corporations, limited liability companies, drafting contracts, and addressing tax issues for local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Students in this clinic have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, assuming substantial responsibility for representing small businesses and nonprofit organizations. They engage in client counseling, drafting or reviewing legal documents, reviewing leases, and providing legal advice on various business matters. The clinic offers a supportive environment with close supervision and mentorship, allowing students to gain practical skills and certification to practice as student-attorneys.

The clinic also includes a 1-credit seminar that focuses on business client counseling, document review, drafting, and transactional law. Students participate in classroom exercises to prepare for their legal work and learn about the substantive law and regulatory schemes relevant to their cases. The seminar also explores the broader context of community economic development and access to justice, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape.

To apply for the Access to Justice Clinic – NEC, students must demonstrate their interest and commitment to nonprofit and transactional law. The selection process is based on the potential to provide high-quality legal services to clients, and students are encouraged to explain their enthusiasm for working on these issues in their applications. The clinic holds a mandatory orientation before classes begin to ensure that students are well-prepared for their clinical experience.

In terms of time commitment, students are expected to dedicate an average of 7 hours per week to their clinic work. The workload may vary throughout the semester, with peaks of activity during specific deadlines. Flexibility is key, as students may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate the demands of the clinic.

Overall, the Access to Justice Clinic – Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship Division offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience in transactional law and access to justice issues. With a focus on client counseling, document preparation, and community empowerment, this clinic equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their legal careers.