This MCLE webinar dives into the pitfalls of the "DIY" approach to critical business decisions like entity design and capital raising. From the complexities of choosing the right legal structure, particularly when it comes to cooperatives and employee ownership strategies, to navigating the risks of crowdfunding and compliance, participants will learn why relying on professional legal expertise is essential. the session will address the unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest with non-professional advisors, and the hidden costs of cutting corners. Attendees will gain practical insights into protecting their clients' businesses with tailored legal strategies that stand the test of time and save money in the long run.
Jenny Kassan is an attorney, coach, and ecosystem builder focused on capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs. She earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley. She is the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without Selling Your Soul. Jenny co-founded the Sustainable Economies Law Center, the Force for Good Fund, and Opportunity Main Street.
Jason Wiener is the Principal of the boutique law and business consulting practice Jason Wiener|p.c., and co-founder of "Colorado Cooperative Developers." Jason specializes in cooperative law, shared ownership models, cooperative finance, regenerative capital and financing strategies, sustainable economies law, teal lawyering, virtual outside general counsel, and worker-ownership. Jason leads the firm's Healing Law practice.
Jason has advised on more than two dozen worker-cooperative conversions, several multi-stakeholder ownership conversions, and more than a dozen platform cooperatives. Jason has also advised numerous clients through socially responsible financings, including through membership capital campaigns, private offerings a qualified intrastate public offerings.
Jason holds a B.S. from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a J.D. cum laude from Suffolk University Law School, where he received honors with a concentration in international law.