Business Law Center Clinic
The Business Law Center Clinic (the "BLCC") at Loyola University Chicago's School of Law provides Loyola's law students with a unique opportunity to apply substantive business and tax law in a live clinical setting. Student clinicians in the BLCC not only enhance their understanding of various areas of business and tax law in a transaction oriented environment, but they also learn, develop and hone essential lawyering skills and competencies, such as client interviewing and counseling, client matter management, legal drafting, negotiating with third parties on behalf of clients, and problem solving. In addition, the BLCC adheres to the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Illinois. As a result, the BLCC's student clinicians experience first hand, in an interactive, supportive environment, what it is like to be an ethical and professional business lawyer, representing real clients, with real legal matters of a transactional nature.
The BLCC's clients include both entrepreneurs and small business owners who are seeking affordable, quality legal assistance with for profit ventures, as well as individuals who are seeking quality legal assistance, on a pro bono basis, in connection with not-for-profit organizations.
Depending upon the needs and desires of the BLCC's clients, student clinicians in the BLCC may provide their clients with legal assistance concerning choice of entity, corporate entity formation, basic contract review and drafting, commercial leases, zoning requirements, business licenses and permits, and applications for tax-exempt status for not-for-profits. The BLCC does not currently provide assistance with complicated tax matters, sophisticated intellectual property matters, or litigation matters.
At the BLCC, student clinicians work closely with the Director of the BLCC, Joseph L. Stone. Professor Stone is a member of the Illinois Bar, as well as a member of the faculty at Loyola's School of Law and acts as the supervising attorney in the BLCC. In addition to providing hands on supervision of the student clinicians, Professor Stone is responsible for the related Business Law Center Clinic Seminar that is required of all students who work in the BLCC.
