Business Law Clinic
The Business Law Clinic (the "BLC") at Loyola University Chicago School of Law is a transactional law clinic that offers students a unique opportunity to develop essential lawyering skills in a professional, interactive live-client environment. Student clinicians, under the direct supervision of licensed attorneys, represent entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as individuals who are seeking legal assistance with not for profit organizations. The opportunity to represent and counsel clients in a live clinical setting allows student clinicians to experience firsthand what it is like to be a true business lawyer and to begin their transition from academic student to professional attorney in a meaningful way.
There are currently over 130 active BLC clients. Approximately sixty-five percent (65%) of these clients are not-for-profit ventures involving child welfare, teen health, animal welfare, sports clubs, churches, museums, community welfare, religious organizations, aid to third world populations, etc. The BLC's for-profit clients include entrepreneurs, inventors, service providers and web-based business owners who are involved in a variety of industries.
In addition to allowing students to learn transactional lawyering skills in context, the BLC is committed to providing clients with affordable quality legal services in keeping with Loyola's commitment to serving the community. Legal services are provided to not for profit organizations on a pro bono basis. The Business Law Clinic adheres to the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
Information For Students:
The Loyola Business Law Clinic ("BLC") is a transactional law clinic located on the 10th floor of the Corboy Law Center. The BLC curriculum is comprised of a two-hour seminar and between six and eight hours of clinic work per week. Students have the opportunity to work with experienced lawyers, counsel clients, draft contracts, form entities and communicate with government entities including the Secretary of State, the Office of the Attorney General and the IRS.
Each student in the BLC carries a caseload of approximately eight clients. Matters are assigned at the beginning of each semester; generally six of the matters involve existing clients whose matters are in process and at least one new client matter. Licensed attorneys supervise all student work and are available for questions. Students are required to exercise professional judgment and serve as advocates and counselors to their clients. In addition, students must be willing to think in a big picture way, as problems may require the student to draw from more than one area of law.
The BLC is committed to educating effective business lawyers and allowing students to explore the legal context in which businesses operate. There is no substitute for experience and client interaction. Come join us and let us teach you how to be a transactional attorney.
