Taylor English and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Launch Partnership to Promote Black-owned Businesses

Atlanta, Ga. (October 11, 2022) – A new partnership between Atlanta-based organizations Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) and Taylor English Duma LLP will offer complimentary extensive legal expertise to more than 189 Black entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have businesses that have become Stakeholder companies of RICE.

“What excites me most about this partnership is the potential for meaningful, long-lasting impact on the Black business community here in Georgia,” Deitra Crawley, partner at Taylor English Duma and facilitator of the partnership, said. “Our team is known for rolling up our sleeves and getting in there right beside our clients, and we’re excited to extend that level of service to RICE’s bold entrepreneurs.”

As part of the partnership, attorneys at Taylor English will provide 1000 hours of pro bono general counsel and specialized legal support in areas such as company formation, corporate governance, intellectual property, real estate, construction, employment, and more to RICE Stakeholder companies. Additionally, the firm will provide four training sessions for Black entrepreneurs and host onsite office hours at RICE’s award-winning, 54,000-square-foot facility - the largest center of its kind in the United States.

“We are proud to partner with one of the most notable law firms in the country to provide access to legal counsel for Black businesses,” said James Bailey, CEO and president of RICE. Assembling opportunities such as this for the entrepreneurs we serve is critical to their business success. RICE looks forward to Taylor English Duma LLP sharing their time, talent, and resources with our stakeholder companies.

Founded in honor of the late Herman J. Russell, one of Georgia’s leading businessmen and community leaders, the Russell family created RICE with the mission to inspire and empower Black entrepreneurs. Taylor English’s story with RICE began with partners Deitra Crawley and Jeff Woodward, who both worked on the organization and structure of the non-profit. In the spirit of creating a collaborative ecosystem, the partnership officially will be kicked off with a joint reception for RICE’s 150 stakeholders and Taylor English attorneys on October 19, though pro bono services have already begun. 

“We’re proud to partner with RICE and continue supporting the organization in its quest to help Black entrepreneurs overcome the unique barriers they face,” Marc Taylor, chair of Taylor English Duma, said. “Our team worked with the Russell family years ago to brainstorm and conceptualize how this nonprofit could pay tribute to the late Herman J. Russell and we look forward to helping them build upon his legacy.”