Smith Anderson Partners with Launch Chapel Hill

Raleigh, N.C. - Merrill Mason and Jesse Jones, lawyers in Smith Anderson's Start-Ups practice, have partnered with Launch Chapel Hill, a start-up accelerator in downtown Chapel Hill, N.C., to provide early stage legal advice to Launch's class of entrepreneurs. Merrill and Jesse met with the spring class of entrepreneurs at an event on January 7, 2013, to kick off the Launch program and present on legal considerations for new business ventures.

Lawyers from Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups practice will hold office hours at Launch Chapel Hill throughout the year, as well as participate in lunch and learn sessions where they will present on topics of interest to the current class of entrepreneurs.

About Merrill Mason

Merrill Mason leads Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups practice and has extensive experience representing technology and life sciences companies. He is passionate about working with developing entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and law students and has taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and the University of North Carolina School of Law. For more information on Merrill, please visit his bio at SmithLaw.com.

About Jesse Jones

Jesse Jones represents early stage and high growth business clients in transactions spanning the life of a business, from seed financing to exit. He enjoys helping entrepreneurs build their companies and has experience in the formation of new entities, angel, private equity and venture capital investments and a wide range of contracting issues. 

About the Smith Anderson Start-Ups Practice

Smith Anderson’s start-up 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

Twice a year,  Launch Chapel Hill welcomes a new class of high-potential entrepreneurs for a 22-week program that provides the support, tools and knowledge needed to decrease risks, reduce go-to-market time, and accelerate the growth of their start-up. For more information, please visit www.launchchapelhill.com.