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BBI Press Round-Up – Social Impact Report 2020

D.C.-Area Businesses Put Start-Up Initiative, a cross-practice, can receive credit for performing July and others across Miles & And he is cognizant that some

Plans into Action on Racial cross-office program designed to traditional pro bono services. Stockbridge have fielded calls from enrolled businesses will still not
temper or eliminate some of the
other firms looking to replicate the
Equity, Justice Initiatives barriers uniquely experienced by The overwhelming response program themselves. make it. But if more—and eventually,
perhaps, all—are given a fair
WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL Black entrepreneurs—namely, lack to the initiative has betrayed its fighting chance, it raises everyone
of funding (particularly as it relates critical need. In the first two months The businesses served make in the marketplace: competition
Chairman Nancy Greene discusses the Miles & to legal expenses) and lack of since its launch, over 100 new up a broad spectrum—everything grows stronger, efficiencies and
Stockbridge Black Business & Start-Up Initiative in access to a network experienced businesses applied to be included. from a hedge fund to an artist co-
this Washington Business Journal story. Already, July estimates that 20 – op. Sometimes, their legal needs good practices take root, and more
in the challenges confronting jobs become available to people
30 Miles & Stockbridge lawyers are simple—the metaphorical
Click here to read the full article. all businesses. in often dismissed or ignored
are working on active matters for blocking and tackling, the
“We wanted to take the cost- enrollees at any given time. “We fundamentals. “People sometimes communities. It’s a long game, and
the ultimate measure of change
Firm Offers Pro Bono Services prohibition out of the ‘sound legal have folks doing general corporate just need opportunities to access is yet to be determined, but the
work, intellectual property, entity
good information. That’s where
to Black Business Owners counsel’ equation for folks trying to structuring and tax, capital-raising, the gap often lies—that’s the socio- Initiative and July’s vision may
get their foot in the door,” July says.
privacy, some labor and employ- economic disconnect the Initiative prove to be among the opening
VIRGINIA LAWYERS WEEKLY The Initiative focuses on companies ment, a small litigation matter—it notes of a new song, one that has
that fall into certain criteria— is already helping to fix.”
Venroy July was interviewed by Virginia Lawyers participants are required to have really runs the gamut.” And others been begging to be written for far
Weekly about the Miles & Stockbridge Black Business & less than five years of operating in the industry are taking notice— July sees this as a first step. too long. ■
Start-Up Initiative that launched recently.
history, less than $500,000 of
Click here to read the full article published by Virginia annual revenues, and fewer than ten
Lawyers Weekly. Login may be required. employees—to help ensure that the
businesses with the most need and

potential get the support. Inclusion
Miles & Stockbridge Offering in the initiative is determined on a

Free Legal Counsel to Boost case by-case basis.

Black-Owned Businesses Once a Black entrepreneur or

business is enrolled in the program,
BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL
Miles & Stockbridge counts up to 50
July also was interviewed by the Baltimore Business non-billable hours spent providing
Journal about the Miles & Stockbridge Black Business it legal advice toward a lawyer’s
& Start-Up Initiative.
annual hours. These hours are
Click here to read the full article published by the in addition to the 50 non-billable
Baltimore Business Journal. Login may be required. hours for which the firm’s lawyers Venroy July, Principal

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