EXPANDING ACCESS FOR CHARLOTTE ENTREPRENEURS
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE LEGAL SERVICES
A LEGAL LEG UP
CLIMB provides free business law services to historically marginalized and under-resourced entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg County, prioritizing services for people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, veterans, and immigrants.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
APPLICANT MUST-HAVES
1. MECKLENBURG COUNTY BASED:
You must own a small business located in, or be an entrepreneur living in, Mecklenburg County. Entrepreneurs who live elsewhere but provide their services primarily in the county will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. CLEAR LEGAL NEED:
Your business must be well-positioned to benefit from legal services. Start-ups are required to provide a business plan and demonstrate that their venture is at a stage where legal assistance is appropriate.
3. COST PROHIBITIVE:
You must provide information affirming why you cannot currently afford legal services.
ELIGIBILITY FAQS
How does CLIMB determine eligibility?
We consider all applications on an individual basis based on numerous factors, including the business owners’ household income. For existing businesses (already selling goods or services), we also consider annual gross business revenue. We understand that there are many factors that can determine your ability to afford legal services, so we ask all applicants for a written explanation. No single factor is determinative. Additionally, at this time we only accept applications from small businesses or entrepreneurs working with one of our community referral partners. You can refer to our list of our community referral partners below. If you are not working with a referral partner but have a compelling reason why you should be considered for legal services (e.g. you are a brick and mortar business located in a Corridor of Opportunity), please reach out to us at info@climbc.org.
I have an idea for a start-up and would like to speak with an attorney about setting up my business. Can I apply for CLIMB services?
Start-ups must be able to demonstrate that they are well-positioned to benefit from legal services by showing that they are working with one of our referral partners, have a written business plan, and have taken other steps to get their venture off the ground.
My business has two owners. I qualify but my co-founder does not. Can we receive CLIMB’s services?
Unfortunately, no. All owners/founders must qualify in order to receive services.
If I’m accepted as a CLIMB client, how long will I have the attorney’s services?
The amount of time needed to complete an engagement depends on the nature of the engagement. When you work with a CLIMB attorney, you will identify your legal needs, and then the attorney will work to meet those needs. The attorney/client relationship concludes once those identified needs are met. We strive to conclude matters within 90 days.
Can CLIMB represent me in a lawsuit or help me figure out if I can sue someone?
No. CLIMB only provides transactional legal services, and cannot assist with any litigation-related or contested issues.
I need a contract reviewed by the end of the week- can CLIMB assist?
No. It can take several weeks to place a matter with a volunteer attorney from a member firm. Once you are placed with a firm, it takes time to complete the work. We cannot guarantee meeting deadlines.
I run my business out of my home in Gaston County, but most of my clients are in Mecklenburg County. Can I apply for CLIMB services?
Yes. If the majority of your services are rendered in Mecklenburg County you can apply for services.
Does CLIMB guarantee legal services?
We are entirely volunteer-supported and cannot guarantee legal services even if you are eligible.
Are the legal services really free?
Yes! Lawyers are encouraged to provide 50 hours of free legal services every year to those who cannot afford an attorney. All of the firms that have partnered with CLIMB have agreed to offer their services completely free of charge. As a client, you will need to cover your own filing and registration fees, but you will never have to pay for legal services.
I have worked with CLIMB previously and now I need additional legal services. Can I reapply?
Yes. We have many repeat clients. You will simply need to fill out another application and note that you are a return client. Our hope is that eventually, your business will be prosperous enough that you will no longer qualify for our services. Until then, you are welcome to work with us.
Does CLIMB work with nonprofits?
No, unfortunately, CLIMB only supports small businesses and entrepreneurs launching for-profit ventures.
CLIMB CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: STORIES WORTH TELLING
Joan Randall grew up in Jamaica, migrating to the United States to marry her now ex-husband. The marriage turned abusive, and she and her children struggled through domestic violence until she found the strength she needed to leave. Joan often journaled for therapeutic benefit and eventually shared her personal story in one of her 15 published books. Her love of reading and writing turned into a desire to help other women replicate the success she had found. In 2019, Joan helped another woman publish her memoir and Victorious You Press was born. The publishing company specializes in non-fiction and has published 200 titles. As she grew, Joan realized she was missing some protections for her business. CLIMB volunteer attorneys created an operating agreement, 1099 contractor agreements, and a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Joan said, “I have airtight publishing author agreements that
not only protect me, they protect my clients, and that’s a beautiful thing. It was amazing — it changed my business, it changed how I show up. It showed a level of professionalism and integrity.
OUR REFERRAL PARTNERS
