![]()
Member Spotlight: Legal Learning
Read this article in PDF form here.
Jacqueline Crosby has been an NASE Member since 2011. She owns Crosby Legal Seminars in Newton, N.J.
Tell us about your business.
Crosby Legal Seminars is a legal education business dedicated to teaching the general public about the law through legal seminars on topics such as: divorce, child support and custody, employment law and unemployment compensation.
Our mission is to provide affordable legal education to the general public in a practical manner that is easily accessible to the average person. We seek to empower the public through education about the legal system and the law.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business in 2009 as a response to the economic downturn, recognizing how legal representation is becoming increasingly inaccessible for much of the public, as well as the need for public legal education.
I was an unemployed lawyer when a business consultant made me aware that she believed there is a public need for people to be educated about the law. I thought it was a good idea, but I had no idea where to begin.
At first I thought that New Jersey Legal Services might be interested, but because of budget cuts, they had a hiring freeze. Finally I decided that I could just do it myself.
What obstacles have you faced in running your business?
Of course I've dealt with many obstacles: lack of financial resources, lack of public awareness about public legal education, and maybe worst of all, lack of support from other people.
But I believe that when there is a public need and an idea to fulfill that need, things will work out if you persevere. I educated myself, joined business networking groups and finally applied and received an NASE Growth Grant®, which has been a godsend.
What’s your biggest success as a business owner?
I think the fact that after 2 ½ years I am still standing strong and moving forward feels like my biggest success as a business owner. After receiving the Growth Grant, things seem to be moving quickly for me now, and I’m sure that once my new website is complete, things are really going to take off. That’s very exciting for me as a business owner, to finally see my ideas get off the ground and take flight!
How do you give back to your community?
I conduct free legal seminars for a private, non-profit corporation which serves the low-income population of Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey. It feels good to be able to contribute my skills and knowledge to help my local community.
Any advice for your fellow NASE Members?
The NASE really helps business owners, so make the most of your membership!
Get Publicity For Your Business!
Read this article in PDF form here.