FAQs for Attorney-Advocates

You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers. And Resources. And Mentors. And Inspiration. Didn’t find what you were looking for? Contact us.

FAQs

  • No. LegalWise is an educational nonprofit partnered with Mitchell Hamline School of Law that supports new MHSL lawyers who agree to provide lower-cost legal services to underserved communities through their solo and small practices. LegalWise does not employ any lawyers to practice law and does not provide any legal services directly to clients. LegalWise advocates run their own law practices and provide services directly to their clients.

  • Please complete our intake questionnaire here. Once we receive this information, we will reach out to you to schedule a virtual interview and answer any questions you may have. If, after that, you are interested in moving forward with applying to become a LegalWise advocate, we will schedule a time for you to meet with our Board of Directors to present your business plan. This process is designed to inspire you to think and operate like a professional attorney solopreneur from the start so you are well-poised to start your community-based law practice.

  • LegalWise provides mentoring, hands-on practical experience, attorney peer support, and networking opportunities to Mitchell Hamline School of Law graduates who want to open their own solo/small community-based practices.

  • Mitchell Hamline graduates who commit to open their own community-based practices are eligible to become LegalWise attorney-advocates.

  • Absolutely. We are committed to providing resources to Mitchell Hamline School of Law graduates who want to provide community-based legal services wherever they decided to hang their shingle.

  • As we re-launch our program post-COVID and expand nationwide, there is no cost to become a LegalWise attorney-advocate. This may change over time and will be reassessed annually. We do ask that you commit to “paying it forward” to other new solo / small practitioners as you gain experience. Our experience shows that attorney-advocates find true value in staying engaged and mentoring new attorneys.

  • No. Our attorney-advocates provide accessible legal services, including flat fees, sliding-scale fees, and unbundled services.

Sheena Thompson, LegalWise Attorney-Advocate

“If you are considering starting a solo or small practice, you will definitely want access to LegalWise's resources. The mentorship, educational materials, and networking opportunities are invaluable. Not to mention the peer support—it is so helpful to have colleagues to consult with.”

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