The Seattle University School of Law Incubator Program turns 10!

Making the transition from successful law school student to self-employed legal professional is a challenge. Many aspiring lawyers who thrive during law school struggle to establish themselves as independent professionals after getting their degrees. The steep learning curve for small business owners and the massive investments required to begin a successful legal practice can keep promising professionals from thriving. They may understand the law but not how to market themselves or handle the challenges of running a small business.

For the last 10 years, the Seattle University School of Law Incubator Program has helped those hoping to develop a legal practice connect with the support they need to succeed.

How the incubator program works

The Seattle University School of Law’s Access to Justice Institute started developing the program in 2013 and began working with students in 2014. Headed by Dean “Stan” Perkins, who is an alumnus of The Seattle University School of Law, the incubator program helps those aspiring to run their own practices prepare themselves for success.

Through mentorship and low-bono representation, the Incubator Program gives recent law school graduates the experience and knowledge they need to develop their own practices. In addition to mentorship from seasoned attorneys, incubatees will be able to network with other recent graduates. They will have access to specialized case management software and legal libraries.

There will also be support for business management and marketing efforts, both of which can prove challenging for those trying to establish themselves in the legal profession. Prior incubatees have gone on to launch their own law firms after working with mentors and learning about the practical requirements of running a small legal practice.

Any recent Seattle University School of Law graduate who is eligible to practice law in Washington state and desires to start their own solitary or small law practice can potentially participate. They will typically need to commit to having roughly three-fifths of their caseload involve those with moderate and limited means.

The 2023 application deadline for those hoping to participate in the program in 2024 is November 15th. Those hoping to develop a personal practice are invited to learn more about the groundbreaking Incubator Program that could potentially help set them up for professional success.