The Capital University Law School Small Business Clinic (“Clinic”) offers a range of legal services for both new and existing for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. Below is a non-exclusive list of the legal services the Clinic currently offers.
Legal Services for For-Profit Businesses
- Formation of business entities including LLCs and corporations to include advice on choice of business entity, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization/Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State, and preparation of agreements governing the rights and duties of the business’ owner(s)
- Review and analysis of business practices and corporate governance structure of existing businesses and assistance with improving such practices
- Review and preparation of various types of contracts including simple employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, and other general business agreements
- Review and negotiation of commercial leases
Legal Services for Nonprofit Organizations
- Formation of nonprofit corporations to include preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State, preparation of Code of Regulations and Conflict of interest policies, and general advice on operation of organization
- Preparation and filing of IRS applications for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS Forms 1023 and 1024), and representation before the IRS related to the approval of application
- Preparation and filing of Charitable Trust Registration forms with the Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Law Section
- Review and analysis of business practices and corporate governance structure of existing nonprofit organizations and assistance with improving such practices
Services the Clinic Does Not Offer to Its Clients
The following is a non-exclusive list of services that are not currently offered by the Clinic:
- Preparation or advice regarding business plans
- Preparation or filing of tax returns
- Intellectual property filings including copyrights, trademarks, and patents
- Representation in litigation
- Business transactions involving federal or Ohio securities registration or that involve private placements seeking private equity or venture capital
Persons who contact the Clinic for services it does not offer are advised to seek professional services elsewhere and, whenever possible, are provided with one or more referrals to organizations or other professionals that may be able to assist with their specific issues.