Baker Botts Conducts Free Workshop for Brooklyn Entrepreneurs

On May 3, 2016, a team of pro bono lawyers from Baker Botts LLP conducted an interactive and engaging workshop on the nuts and bolts of launching a small business for a packed room of 38 entrepreneurs at the Brooklyn Public Library in Grand Army Plaza. Partners Terence Rozier-Byrd and Emanuel Grillo and Senior Associates Lauren Emerson and Chris Newcomb covered the essentials of business formation, commercial leases, intellectual property, contracts, and employment and fielded questions from an engaged audience.

After the workshop, the Baker Botts team collected applications for individual pro bono legal assistance from entrepreneurs and business owners who needed more in-depth assistance on specific issues.

Kelsey Ripper, VOLS’ Microenterprise Project Director, worked together with Delia Awusi, Director of the Women’s Business Center at the Business Outreach Center Network, and Rosemary Cuciti from Baker Botts to organize the event.

Grey Jones, who is launching a walking tour business focused on Brooklyn’s historic Weeksville neighborhood, said, “I’m so glad I came. This was a comprehensive and informative workshop. They really covered every area I needed to know to get my business going.”

The presentation at the Central Library of the Brooklyn Public Library.

The Baker Botts team with Kelsey Ripper, VOLS’ Microenterprise Project Director (second from the right), and Delia Awusi, Director of the Women’s Business Center at the Business Outreach Center Network (far right).