Community Economic Development Clinic 2023 Highlights
Congratulations to the CEDC student attorneys on a successful start of the 2023 academic year.
The Community Economic Development Clinic (CEDC) provides pro-bono transactional legal services to small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises and community development entities. Student attorneys, under the supervision of Professor Joseph McKay, serve clients across Denver and throughout Colorado. The CEDC is committed to enhancing the social fabric, economic well-being and overall prosperity of underserved communities throughout Colorado.
CEDC student attorneys Turner Hughes and Kayla Trafford provided legal guidance to a startup dedicated to creating a reusable medical device, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. They are assisting the startup in drafting its multi-member operating agreement and generating various other crucial documents. They also are working with an entrepreneur launching a web development company, aiding him in creating an operating agreement, an equity in exchange for services agreement, an independent contractor agreement as well as providing information about Colorado privacy laws.
Alexandra Ong and Alyssa Schwartz are providing legal counsel to a minority woman-owned business that specializes in producing a food product using natural ingredients and traditional methods. They offered advice on establishing corporate formalities, drafting agreements and safeguarding trade secrets. In addition, they are working in collaboration with a nonprofit organization to draft a facilities agreement and facilitate the hiring of a new executive director. They are also aiding a healthcare business consultant in creating client and independent contractor service agreements.
Dévi Stone Chung and Jaxon Higgins are providing legal guidance to a family-owned residential hauling business in Denver by drafting an operating agreement. They also are providing the client with information on licensing and compliance and exploring options for the client to take in securing additional capital through government grants for minority-owned businesses. In addition, Dévi and Jaxon have provided counsel to a local coffee shop and a telehealth counseling service. They also are teaching students about various transactional law matters at a public high school.
Student attorneys Joshua White and Alexis Gordon are providing legal guidance to a community organization that promotes inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. They helped the organization determine the most suitable legal structure and draft their bylaws. Furthermore, they are collaborating with a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing young community members with the administrative skills necessary for entering the workforce. This involves assisting the organization with their formation, drafting bylaws and applying for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.
Professor Joseph McKay joined the University of Denver Sturm College of Law as a visiting assistant professor and director of the Community Economic Development Clinic in August 2023. Previously, he served as an assistant clinical professor and the assistant director of the Business Law Clinic at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Professor McKay is pleased to become a part of the Colorado legal community and has actively participated in various events. This includes his role as a panelist during Denver Startup Week and hosting legal workshops for community groups, including the Center for Community Wealth Building and the City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development & Opportunity.
