Simpson Thacher in the News
Go Back
Simpson Thacher Participates in Pro Bono, City-Wide, Small Business Legal Academy at the Apollo Theater
11.01.13
This is only gets display when printing
Simpson Thacher attorneys took part in the inaugural Small Business Legal Academy, a free all-day expo that provided legal counseling to small business owners and nonprofits throughout New York City. On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, more than 250 small businesses and nonprofit leaders came to Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater to get free legal advice from 157 pro bono attorneys representing 31 law firms.
The first free legal expo of its kind, the one-day event brought together corporate law firms, financial services consultants, city and state agencies, and other service providers to provide free one-on-one consultations, lead workshops about starting and managing a business or nonprofit, and help find solutions to the legal and financial challenges small organizations face. Services were offered in three languages.
Simpson Thacher corporate associates Sam Warfield and Jeffrey Lieberman trained the volunteer attorneys on entity formation; exempt organizations associate John Bennett presented the workshop on nonprofit formation from the main stage of the Apollo Theater; and associates Chris Vena, Maura Whelan, and Fernando Burman provided legal consultations during the Academy. The event was planned and executed by Pro Bono Counsel from six law firms, including Harlene Katzman.