Small Business Legal Services (SBLS) is a working group of the Community & Economic Development Clinic.  Its mission is to foster economic development in disadvantaged neighborhoods and to aid low- and middle-income individuals by assisting in creating and sustaining small businesses in the greater New Haven area.

SBLS provides free legal services to entrepreneurs in three major areas:

Forming a Business: The law allows businesses to take many different forms, including partnerships, sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, and C and S corporations.  SBLS can help select the best business form for liability and tax purposes.

Drafting Contracts and Leases: Business revolves around legal contracts—with suppliers, with distributors, and even with customers.  SBLS can help business owners renegotiate existing contracts and form new ones.  Also, every business needs a space in which to operate.  SBLS can help business owners create flexible, fair lease agreements that will help their businesses grow.

Shaping Employment Policies: A good employment policy promotes employee satisfaction and productivity.  SBLS can help write and revise employment policies that limit employer liability and establish strong working relationships.