City Bar Justice Center – Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP)

Who We Are

The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (“NELP”) provides free legal services to microentrepreneurs in New York City’s five boroughs who are either starting up a new business or already own an existing business. NELP can help entrepreneurs with legal issues such as: determining the best legal structure, corporate formation, drafting and reviewing business contracts, negotiating commercial leases, and obtaining intellectual property protections including trademarks, copyrights and patents. NELP provides its services through legal presentations, small business legal clinics, and direct pro bono representation. Please note that NELP cannot assist with legal disputes, litigation or non-profit formation.

How to Get Help

At this time we are offering remote services. Please call (212) 382-6633 or email us at nelp@nycbar.org

Who We Serve

Area(s): Bronx County, Kings (Brooklyn) County, New York (Manhattan) County, Queens County, Richmond (Staten Island) County

Circumstances and languages in which interpreters are provided

We can provide interpretation services for many languages on request.

Income Guidelines

Microentrepreneurs who meet all of the following criteria may be eligible for free legal assistance:
– Have a new or existing FOR PROFIT business located in New York City;
– Have a current gross household income (before taxes) that falls within our guidelines; and
– Have insufficient funds to hire their own attorney.While NELP volunteers do not charge any fees for their services, there may be filing costs or application fees, which are the responsibility of the client.

Is this organization accessible by wheelchair?: YES

Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired?: YES

Type of Help

This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources:

• Brief Advice
• Pro Se Legal Clinic