Our Team. Our firm comprises a collection of diverse backgrounds, unified by a passion for innovation, community economic development, and support of local businesses. Our team members have extensive experience working for non-profits, social enterprises, start-ups, traditional corporations, and government agencies -- giving us a well-rounded perspective that informs each of our cases. Devoted entirely to serving small businesses, social enterprises, and tax exempt organizations, we are a unique source of industry knowledge and serve as strong advocates for our clients.
Natalia E. Thurston, Director
Natalia founded Social Venture Law in 2010 to serve the growing demand for more accessible direct legal services for small businesses, tax exempt entities, and social enterprises. As lead counsel for Social Venture Law, Natalia is committed to providing effective representation in a range of matters from counseling clients on business entity choice to resolving contentious partnership disputes. As a trusted legal advisor, Natalia helps start-ups and entrepreneurs navigate the murky waters of forming a venture from idea conception to developing contracts incorporating social sector principles.
Education
J.D., U.C. Berkeley School of Law
M.B.A., San Francisco State University
B.A., Sarah Lawrence College
Academic Distinction
American Jurisprudence Award, Small Business Counseling
Editor, Berkeley Technology Law Journal
Consultant, East Bay Community Law Center, Economic Development Unit
Professional Affiliations
Member, State Bar of California
Co-Founder, Impact Law Forum
Member, The Hub, Global Sustainable Business Center
Publications
Buyer Beware: The Unexpected Consequences of the Visual Artists Rights Act, 20 Berkeley Tech. L.J. 701 (2005)
Speaking Engagements
Crowdfunding: Legal Aspects of Alternative Finance, LegalForce, Palo Alto, CA, August 21, 2013
Hanging Your Own Shingle: Five Fundamental Tools, The Junior Attorney: Expectations, Berkeley Law, Mar. 7, 2013
Nuts & Bolts of California Benefit & Flexible Purpose Legislation,
The Hub (SOMA), Mar. 2012
Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Business Planning Class, San Francisco, Feb. 2012
Community Involvement
General Counsel to San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance, Inc. (http://sffamainc.org/)
Pro Bono Legal Counsel to Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Business Planning Class and Small Business Incubator Tenants
(http://www.rencenter.org/)
Internship Program
Social Venture Law regularly hosts interns from law schools around the Bay Area. If you are interested in internship opportunities, please contact net@socialventurelaw.com for more information on current opportunities with SVL.
Natalia E. Thurston, Director
Natalia founded Social Venture Law in 2010 to serve the growing demand for more accessible direct legal services for small businesses, tax exempt entities, and social enterprises. As lead counsel for Social Venture Law, Natalia is committed to providing effective representation in a range of matters from counseling clients on business entity choice to resolving contentious partnership disputes. As a trusted legal advisor, Natalia helps start-ups and entrepreneurs navigate the murky waters of forming a venture from idea conception to developing contracts incorporating social sector principles.
Education
J.D., U.C. Berkeley School of Law
M.B.A., San Francisco State University
B.A., Sarah Lawrence College
Academic Distinction
American Jurisprudence Award, Small Business Counseling
Editor, Berkeley Technology Law Journal
Consultant, East Bay Community Law Center, Economic Development Unit
Professional Affiliations
Member, State Bar of California
Co-Founder, Impact Law Forum
Member, The Hub, Global Sustainable Business Center
Publications
Buyer Beware: The Unexpected Consequences of the Visual Artists Rights Act, 20 Berkeley Tech. L.J. 701 (2005)
Speaking Engagements
Crowdfunding: Legal Aspects of Alternative Finance, LegalForce, Palo Alto, CA, August 21, 2013
Hanging Your Own Shingle: Five Fundamental Tools, The Junior Attorney: Expectations, Berkeley Law, Mar. 7, 2013
Nuts & Bolts of California Benefit & Flexible Purpose Legislation,
The Hub (SOMA), Mar. 2012
Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Business Planning Class, San Francisco, Feb. 2012
Community Involvement
General Counsel to San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance, Inc. (http://sffamainc.org/)
Pro Bono Legal Counsel to Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Business Planning Class and Small Business Incubator Tenants
(http://www.rencenter.org/)
Internship Program
Social Venture Law regularly hosts interns from law schools around the Bay Area. If you are interested in internship opportunities, please contact net@socialventurelaw.com for more information on current opportunities with SVL.