A partnership between two prominent Alabama law firms has been formed to support black-owned small businesses and nonprofits in the Birmingham community.
The Black Small Business and Nonprofit Community Clinic, a joint project of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and Legal Services Alabama (LSA), will provide pro bono business-oriented legal services to local black small businesses and nonprofits throughout Birmingham.
According to a release, the Birmingham clinic is modeled after Bradley’s Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic in Nashville that launched in January 2021.
Bradley Birmingham office managing partner Dawn Helms Sharff, a 2021 Yellowhammer News Woman of Impact, spoke to the firm’s commitment to advancing racial equity.
“We recognize the historic and systemic racial inequities that have made it challenging for the Black business community to thrive in Birmingham,” said Sharff. “Our partnership with LSA is an opportunity for Bradley to join the cause for racial equity and to make a lasting impact in the local community.”
Tiffany Graves, pro bono counsel at Bradley, advised that the firm was dedicated to supporting black entrepreneurs in their efforts to grow and expand their businesses.
“Our attorneys are committed to breaking down some of the barriers that prevent Black business owners from receiving the support they need to legally maintain their businesses,” said Graves. “Bradley is working to bridge the gap between the legal needs of those who cannot afford or access legal services and the resources available to meet those needs.”
The Birmingham Black Small Business and Nonprofit Community Clinic opens virtually on Friday, April 29 from noon to 1:00 p.m. and is by appointment only, according to the announcement.
Succeeding clinics will be offered on the fourth Thursday of each month through December 22. Appointments are initially virtual, with plans to transition to in-person operations in the coming months.
LSA executive director Guy Lescault expressed excitement over the firm’s partnership with Bradley on the pro bono initiative.
“We recognize that we all share a responsibility to effect change in our fight for racial justice,” said Lescault. “We are excited to collaborate with Bradley to help fulfill our mission and work to rectify historical inequities in Birmingham’s Black business and nonprofit communities.”
Frederick Spight, LSA court debt project staff attorney, touched on the initiative’s goal of combating poverty within the black community.
“The clinic partnership between LSA and Bradley is a great next step in the evolution of addressing poverty in historically disenfranchised communities,” stated Spight. “The goal is to help local entrepreneurs build their capacity for organic growth and development, thereby providing jobs and helping build wealth in these communities for generations to come.”
Nell Brimmer, LSA managing attorney of client access, said that Bradley’s record of client service would be beneficial to the initiative.
“LSA is committed to expanding our pro bono partnerships and supporting the initiatives of our John Lewis Fellows,” proclaimed Brimmer. “The Black Small Business and Nonprofit Community Clinic with Bradley allows LSA to continue the community development work started under Frederick’s John Lewis Fellowship project in 2020, with Bradley’s expertise and success in creating clinic collaborations.”
LSA will conduct the initial screening of prospective clients. Eligible businesses should consist of at least 50% black ownership with 10 or fewer employees and limited means.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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