The Entrepreneurial Law Project (ELP) was formed in spring 2023 as a collaboration between the University of Arkansas School of Law and the Walton College’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
"One of the primary barriers for early-stage entrepreneurs is cost, and ELP seeks to remedy that by cultivating a communal legal ecosystem to support founders across the state while also providing opportunities for law students to gain hands-on experience," said Rachel Sullivant, managing director of the program.
ELP has assisted nearly 200 entrepreneurs across the State of Arkansas—including communities in Mena, Little Rock, Helena, and Fayetteville—with attorneys and law students contributing more than 421 volunteer hours for educational workshops, one-on-one consultations, and pro bono projects.
This year, organizers launched the Entrepreneurial Law Checkup, a series of business law office hours that will provide brief, 30-minute consultations with pro bono attorneys. Entrepreneurs can ask specific legal questions, review documents, and gain guidance on completing legal forms.
Attorneys host sessions at the Fayetteville Public Library as well as online for accessibility across the state.
"This service is critical for entrepreneurs who may not have the resources to afford traditional legal fees but need legal guidance to move forward with confidence."
-Rachel Sullivant
ELP has also developed self-service legal forms along with education videos on popular entrepreneurial law topics like business entry selection and intellectual property, with content set to launch on their website in the fall of 2025.
When capacity allows, ELP will continue to provide ongoing legal support by connecting Arkansas entrepreneurs with pro bono counsel for startups or small businesses for targeted legal projects. These projects may include assistance with employment law, real estate matters, corporate governance, and contract review.
"Through the Entrepreneurial Law Checkups, we're able to identify entrepreneurs who could benefit from more in-depth legal support," Sullivant said. "While not everyone will be matched with a pro bono attorney, our goal is to prioritize those with the greatest legal need and the fewest resources."
Sullivant added that ELP will also aid in referring qualifying projects to the law school's Small Business and Community Development Clinic.
The "road show" will return in summer 2025 with stops in Helena, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Mena, and Morrilton.
"Access to legal guidance is crucial for any entrepreneur, but it's often out of reach for those just starting out."
-Will Foster, director of legal programs for ELP and Arkansas Bar Foundation Professor at the School of Law.
"By connecting entrepreneurs with pro bono attorneys through the service we are providing this year, we're leveling the playing field for those with limited resources. This initiative provides valuable legal support to help businesses thrive while offering attorneys the chance to make a meaningful impact on the businesses that drive Arkansas' economy." ¬