Smith Anderson and Launch Chapel Hill Partner to Provide Pro Bono Legal Guidance

Raleigh, N.C. – Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups practice is continuing its partnership with Launch Chapel Hill, a start-up accelerator, and will offer pro bono legal support to the next cohort of entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in the Launch accelerator program for 2014-2015. Merrill Mason, the head of the Start-Ups practice, has committed to sharing his time with this class through monthly Lunch-n-Learns and additional office hours throughout the year where early stage ventures can receive one-on-one legal advice on topics such as building great boards, using equity as compensation, early stage funding strategies and negotiating strategies, among others. Having spent more than 20 years guiding emerging businesses through the stages of development, Merrill has a history of helping entrepreneurs realize their business goals.

About Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups Practice

Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups practice works with clients that include companies specializing in technology, life sciences, software, drug discovery, medical devices, distribution and professional services, as well as angel funds and start-up accelerators. Our lawyers are practical legal business counselors with a partner’s passion for your idea and a personal commitment to your company’s success. Whether you’re a professor with a patent, an individual with a new invention or an undergraduate with a brilliant idea, we can help clear the path, freeing you to apply your energy to succeeding on your own merit and your own terms. For more information, please visit www.SmithLaw.com/StartUps.

About Launch Chapel Hill

Launch Chapel Hill is a best-in-class venture lab and start-up accelerator located in Downtown Chapel Hill, N.C. Twice a year they accept a new class of high-potential entrepreneurs who are committed to building their early-stage, high-potential businesses into self-sustaining enterprises. Launch Chapel Hill provides the support, tools and knowledge needed to decrease risks, reduce go-to-market time, and accelerate the growth of a start-up. For more information on Launch Chapel Hill, visit their website at www.LaunchChapelHill.com.

About Smith Anderson

Since our founding in 1912, Smith Anderson has grown to more than 120 attorneys and is the largest law firm headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area. We serve clients ranging in size from large public companies to emerging growth businesses, providing a full range of legal services to assist our clients in accomplishing their goals. The knowledge and experience of our attorneys make us well-positioned to handle the litigation and business matters that our clients face. For more information, please visit www.SmithLaw.com.