Participants in LEJ develop their practices while receiving training, mentoring, and other support on business and legal issues as well as space and other infrastructure as they get started. The 20-month program is broken into two 6-month modules and an optional 8-month module. The first two 6-month modules are required.
In the first module, participants have the option to perform pro bono work with partner legal aid organizations to build competency and community connections. Throughout that time, participants receive training, workshops and coaching on business and other issues needed to start a solo/small practice. Participants establish their own independent practices (including providing their own malpractice insurance), begin handling cases in areas traditionally needed by low and middle-income legal consumers, and strive to offer flexible representation options and predictable fees.
During the second module, participants develop fuller caseloads and continue to receive training, mentoring, and coaching on business and legal issues, preparing to move their practices out of LEJ at the end of the program.
Training
LEJ’s comprehensive training program focuses on building a new kind of practice that is more accessible and affordable to low and middle-income legal consumers. LEJ’s in-house training focuses on the business side of launching and managing an innovative law practice. Participants receive substantive legal training from LEJ partner legal aid organizations, the Colorado CLE, and other LEJ CLE partners. During the first six months of the program, LEJ attorneys have the option to be placed at one of LEJ’s partner legal aid organizations for a “pro bono residency” to get the kind of practical real-world training that cannot be taught in a classroom. >> Learn More
Timeline
The LEJ program lasts 12-20 months. During the two weeks of boot camp and then twice a month thereafter for the following 12 months, participants have access to top-notch training led by volunteer professionals from LEJ’s strong network of partners. Participants will be paired with mentors and have access to supplemental training on topics such as attorney wellness, entrepreneurship and innovation, and growing their law practices. During the last 8 months, participants have the option of participating in Modern Law University to receive additional in-depth training and peer-to-peer support in growing and scaling their practices. >> Learn More