law school

Legal Assistance

DNEP connects small businesses to pro bono legal services on transactional small business issues through the U-M Community Enterprise Clinic

Overview: Detroit small business owners, entrepreneurs, and start-ups can receive legal assistance through U-M Community Enterprise Clinic (CEC).

Services: The CEC team will solve your most pressing legal needs. In the past, businesses have worked with the CEC team in the following legal areas:

  • Contract negotiations
  • Lease agreement review
  • Drafting of ownership agreements
  • Trademarking of names and logos

Cost: Free

Time commitment: As a CEC client, you are required to maintain regular communication with the CEC team. The length of the project is dependent on the scope of work and on how long the legal work takes to complete. You can remain a CEC client until your legal work is finished.

Eligibility: You must be a Detroit-based small business, entrepreneur, or start-up.

Do I need to sign up, fill out an application, or write a proposal?
Application. To apply, fill out the Client Prospect Form.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Typically, new clients begin in September each year.

Questions?
Learn more about the Community Enterprise Clinic on their website. For more information, visit our course catalog. Contact [email protected] with any additional questions.