Designed specifically and exclusively for Thomas Jefferson School of Law alumni, the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Center for Solo Practitioners supports new solo practitioners as they establish their own law offices. The program encourages new solos to become leaders in their community by developing ways to reach traditionally underserved populations with much-needed legal services.
Law Firm Incubators in General
Business incubation is a concept that has proved successful in launching entrepreneurs in fields as diverse as computer software, manufacturing, telecommunications, biosciences, energy and the arts. Incubators accelerate the development of start-up companies by providing entrepreneurs with instruction in financial management, marketing, networking and sound business practices. Pioneered by Fred Rooney at the City University of New York School of Law, law school incubators are beginning to flourish in law schools throughout the United States and internationally.
The Thomas Jefferson Lawyer Incubator Program
The Thomas Jefferson School of Law Center for Solo Practitioners provides a business incubator setting to the New Solos with the goal of producing successful, public-service-oriented practitioners. Every year, the program will welcome six to ten lawyers who have a desire to establish their own law practices. Each New Solo will develop their practice in a cooperative, shared-space environment that is easily accessible to public transportation, courts and other public services. The program will facilitate access to affordable office space, guidance in managing a legal practice, quality continuing legal education, seasoned mentors and Thomas Jefferson’s network of alumni attorneys. While they are building their practices, the lawyers in the incubator are encouraged to provide pro-bono and low-bono services to increase the access to civil legal services for those in need. While providing those legal services, the incubator lawyers gain valuable legal experience and are exposed to professional networking opportunities.
To apply for the program, candidates must:
- Be admitted to practice in California;
- Be a graduate of Thomas Jefferson;
- Have a demonstrated commitment to access-to-justice for those in need;
- Be willing to engage in ongoing pro-bono and low-bono services;
- Work well in intimate settings with a diverse group of individuals;
- Be committed to establishing a solo-firm or small-firm practice; and
- Be committed to helping underserved populations after completion of the program.
Contact Information
For additional information please contact the director of the program, Lilys D. McCoy, at lmccoy@tjsl.edu or (619) 961-4353.
View The Center for Solo Practitioners Brochure
Center for Solo Practitioners Application Form
Disclaimer: Each of the attorneys in the lawyer incubator maintains an independent law practice, which is separate from each of the other lawyers and law practices in the incubator and from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Retention of one of the attorneys is not retention of any of the other attorneys, nor of the School of Law.