Free legal clinic offers support for small businesses pinched by coronavirus

Demonstrators rallied in support of a bill to protect New York City small business in 2018. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

By Rachel Vick

A new clinic founded by the Lawyers for Good Government Foundation will provide free legal assistance to small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 shutdown.

L4GG is launching its Small Business Remote Legal Clinic this week in partnership with the City Bar Justice Center to guide small businesses through dire economic straits related to the coronavirus. 

Businesses with 25 employees or fewer can sign up for 45-minute sessions to help determine the best way to move forward as the crisis continues.

“Hundreds of thousands of small business owners, many of whom already operate on very narrow margins, are struggling with questions about how their businesses will survive the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lawyers for Good Government’s Executive Director Traci Feit Love.

“This small business legal clinic can help them navigate this unanticipated economic crisis, and provide them with guidance they desperately need at this time.” 

The clinic offers pro bono legal consultations for small business owners to help them understand the federal COVID-19 stimulus package, which includes $350 billion in aid to small businesses and up to eight weeks of cash-flow assistance for firms that qualify. 

Lawyers will also help participants access other available grants and loans, and answer legal questions that have come up as a result of the pandemic.

A total of 34 law firms in 30 cities across the country will participate. L4GG is partnering with nonprofits and legal service organizations to equip participating law firms with resources they need.

Businesses can sign up to be notified when the clinic opens, and law firms interested in participating can  reach out for more information.