Bradley Launches Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic

Bradley is pleased to announce the launch of its Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic. The firm has partnered with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville and its Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program to provide accessible and affordable business-oriented legal services to Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits.

“The recent events that have taken place across the country have turned our attention to the racial inequities that exist in our communities,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “Our partnership with the Arts & Business Council is an opportunity for Bradley to join the cause for racial equity and to make a lasting impact in the Nashville community.”

 “We believe the clinic will empower Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits and afford them the opportunity to be competitive and prosperous,” added Bradley Pro Bono Counsel Tiffany M. Graves. “We are grateful for the Arts & Business Council’s partnership and support as we work to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth while eliminating barriers.”

The program will initially launch in Nashville and will be held by appointment only. The first clinic will take place virtually, from noon-1 p.m., on January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and succeeding clinics will be offered on the third Thursday of each month. A limited number of appointments will be available for each clinic.  Among other services, Bradley attorneys will provide corporate governance, review of contracts, and guidance navigating local ordinances and state regulations to clients of VLPA.

“We are witnessing renewed energy in the racial justice movement, so this is an exciting time to partner with Bradley to help remedy the unmet needs of Black business owners,” said Arts & Business Council Executive Director Jill McMillan Palm. “A commitment to racial and cultural equity is a core value of our organization, and we believe the collaboration of VLPA’s resources with Bradley’s exceptional legal minds will have a meaningful impact on rectifying historical inequities in the minority business and nonprofit communities.”

VLPA is the cornerstone program of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, which connects artists and arts organizations with the education, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. To this end, the Arts & Business Council provides pro bono legal and business services to income-qualified artists and creative entrepreneurs of all disciplines, as well as emerging nonprofit arts organizations, through VLPA. For these clinics, eligible businesses of any sector should consist of at least 50% Black ownership and $1 million or less of annual revenue with 10 or fewer employees. Prospective clients should review and complete the intake form on the Arts & Business Council’s VLPA website.

Additional Media Coverage

Nashville Business Journal: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings launches Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic

TBA Law Blog: Bradley Launches Legal Clinic for Black-Owned Small Businesses, Nonprofits