North Idaho law firm chosen to help small businesses navigate CARES Act

By Reader Staff

North Idaho law firm Smith + Malek has been selected to be part of a nationwide program to help small businesses and nonprofits understand their relief program options under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

The initiative is backed by the Lawyers for Good Government Foundation — a nonprofit network of more than 125,000 legal advocates spanning every state and aiming “to protect and strengthen democratic institutions, resist abuse of power and corruption, and defend the rights of all those who suffer in the absence of ‘good government.’”

Lawyers for Good Government selected Smith + Malek to team up with the Idaho Women’s Business Center to launch a pro bono virtual legal clinic meant to “help Idaho small business owners or nonprofits understand the legislative language in the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and answer any questions related to employment, contracts, commercial leases, insurance and insolvency issues,” according to a press release from Smith + Malek.

“We are honored that Lawyers for Good Government entrusted our firm as the Idaho site for this nationwide legal clinic to assist businesses during the pandemic,” said Smith + Malek attorney and firm co-owner Tara Malek. “Partnering with the Idaho Women’s Business Center is a natural fit for a majority female-firm, and because we know women-owned businesses may have a harder time bouncing back during this uncertain time.”

Small businesses and nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees qualify for a free 45-minute phone call or virtual consultation with Smith + Malek attorneys. Visit smithmalek.com/covid-19-support to sign up for a remote meeting.