Are you a recent UMKC Law grad who is interested in entering solo or small firm practice, then this is the opportunity for you! Solo and Small Firm Incubator University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law     Over 70% of lawyers in private practice in the United States practice in firms of ten or fewer attorneys, and nearly half of all lawyers in the United States are solo practitioners. Many have chosen solo and small firm practice, but current economic conditions are adding to the ranks of intentional entrepreneurs. Many recent admittees to the Bar who chose to start their own firm have little or no experience running their own business. They are in need of guidance on budgeting, marketing, client generation and retention, establishment of systems, and a host of other challenges associated with solo or small law firm practice. The Program     UMKC School of Law is uniquely positioned to satisfy the needs of recent graduates seeking to start their own firms. The Law School has an innovative curriculum for educating solo and small firm lawyers, and has graduated numerous students who had substantial training in this area. The Law School has a track record of producing some of the most well-respected and successful solo and small lawyers in the country.     The Solo and Small Law Firm Incubator takes the existing programs one step further, by creating a facility that provides hand-on assistance to recent UMKC graduates who choose to enter solo or small firm practice. The program will provide office space (including telecommunications services), an office assistant, experienced attorneys (including retired judges) who will provide guidance on managing a legal practice, and practice-area mentoring, all at below-market rates. The Incubator will assist graduates in developing successful law practices. The Incubator is located at 4741-43 Troost and will accommodate 8-10 tenants. The site is well-located, next door to the entrepreneurial programs at 4747 Troost, and borders a community that is underserved with regard to legal services. Application Process     The Incubator is designed to assist eligible tenants whose business plans demonstrate both an aptitude to develop their own successful practice and a commitment to include in their plans a significant contribution of pro bono or affordable legal services to members of the surrounding Troost community. If you would like additional information please contact the Career Services Office. You can apply by completing the attached application and submitting the following documents to the Director of Career Services: • Business plan showing the intended area(s) of practice; • Marketing plan; • Budget and financial projections for the time period to be covered by Incubator occupancy and two years thereafter; • Statement as to the extent to which the applicant plans to apportion some professional time to pro bono or discounted legal services to clients of limited financial means, particularly to residents of the Troost corridor. Solo and Small Firm Application available here.