The SEED Clinic at Akron Law is a specialized legal clinic providing transactional business law services to small and emerging businesses, tech startups, and nonprofit organizations. Operated by The University of Akron School of Law, it stands out by offering high-quality, low-cost legal assistance delivered by supervised law students, making professional legal support accessible to early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators.
Under the guidance of experienced clinical professors and licensed attorneys, second- and third-year law students gain real-world experience while assisting clients with a broad spectrum of non-litigation business legal needs. The clinic specifically targets small businesses with less than $100,000 in annual gross revenue and under five years in operation, fostering economic development and offering a pathway out of poverty through entrepreneurship.
Services Offered
- Business entity selection and formation (corporations, LLCs)
- Filing requirements and compliance
- Drafting operating agreements
- Commercial lease agreements
- Licensing agreements
- Patent and trademark licensing support
- Transaction agreements (sales, supply, hiring contracts)
- Assistance with joint venture agreements
- Independent contractor agreements
- Nonprofit formation and 501(c)(3) status applications
- Coordination with the University of Akron Trademark Clinic for nationally registered trademarks
- Strategic and operational legal advice for tech and science-based companies
The clinic serves clients primarily in the Akron and Northeast Ohio region, often coordinating with the University of Akron Research Foundation to support university researchers commercializing innovations. Services are available in English, and the clinic is recognized for its role in enriching legal education while empowering underserved entrepreneurs.
