Legal representation is not cheap—small business counsel can run anywhere from $150 per hour for junior lawyers to over $1,000 per hour for senior partners. One DMV-area firm is aiming to shoulder the financial burden for one lucky Black-owned business.
Shulman Rogers Law Firm recently announced the return of its Black-Owned Business Program in which they’ll provide free legal support for a year to a Black-Owned business in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV) region.
“The free year of legal services has been invaluable to me and my business, Wave Welcome,” said Vennard Wright, winner of the 2023 Black-Owned Business Program in a news release. “Over the past year, our company has flourished, launching products including PerVista, an AI platform designed to detect firearms in real-time.” He added, “This opportunity is already providing invaluable assistance in Wave Welcome’s strategic direction. Shulman Rogers’ full-service platform will allow us to shore up the foundation on which our future growth can flourish.”
Overseen by Kimberly Mann and Michael Lichtenstein, shareholders at the firm, any business in the DMV that is at least 51 percent Black-Owned and controlled can apply. All finalists will undergo Zoom interview with the selection committee and a decision will come by late December.
“We are proud to again offer this program to the Black business community in the DMV,” said Samuel M. Spiritos, Shulman Rogers Managing Shareholder. “Since 1972, Shulman Rogers has supported the businesses in our region through innovative legal services, community involvement and pro-bono work. This program continues that tradition.
Those interested in applying can do so here by November 1, 2023.