Menu

280+ Small Businesses to Receive Free Legal Support in Boston

Economic Justice

Pro Bono Attorneys from 14 Law Firms To Offer Free Legal Help To Minority-Owned Small Businesses at “BizGrow”

Boston, MA – Today, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice and 14 Boston law firms will host BizGrow, a free event to connect hundreds of minority-owned small businesses with free legal consultations and technical business support. This event will be held from 1-6 PM at Suffolk Law School (120 Tremont Street in Boston). Last year, BizGrow served over 150 entrepreneurs, with over 100 volunteer attorneys and business professionals. Over 280 entrepreneurs are currently registered to attend BizGrow.

“Economic empowerment is a key part of the civil rights agenda,” said Priya Lane, the Economic Justice Project Director at the Lawyers’ Committee. “Small minority-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy, and BizGrow connects them with critical resources they need to close the opportunity gap and thrive. In Boston, now more than ever, we need to support small businesses to help build wealth in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods.”

“BizGrow is an innovative event that is changing the game for minority-owned small businesses in the Boston area,” said Susan Mazur, a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP. ”In one afternoon, we are able to help hundreds of entrepreneurs, who otherwise may not have access to critical legal and business resources, take another step toward their goals. Latham & Watkins is proud to be a part of this effort to positively impact our local communities.”

BizGrow will feature volunteer attorneys from 14 Boston law firms – including Goodwin LLP; Latham & Watkins LLP; Nixon Peabody; Morgan Lewis; Foley Hoag; WilmerHale; Ropes & Gray; Mintz Levin; Goulston & Storrs; Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP; DLA Piper; Davis, Malm & D’Agostine; McCarter & English; and Sidley – providing free one-on-one legal consultations to entrepreneurs on small business issues. BizGrow will also feature more than 20 distinct technical assistance workshops, including:

  • Latham & Watkins LLP on contracts;
  • Goodwin LLP on lease negotiation, raising capital, and doing business online;
  • Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care on health insurance options for small businesses; and
  • Financial institutions such as Eastern Bank, Santander, Boston Private, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, LEAF, and Accion on access to capital for  small businesses.

Annually, the Economic Justice Project of the Lawyers’ Committee serves 400+ small businesses from all economic sectors including goods and services, and the food industry.

Event sponsors include participating law firms, insurers, and financial institutions. BizGrow is generously supported by Suffolk Law School, The Boston Foundation, and Millennium Partners. 

Follow us today on social media using #BizGrowBoston