LAW 7626 - Small Business/Non-Profit Consulting

This course will introduce students to a range of skills and legal expertise useful in representing small business and non-profit organizations. Students will participate in classroom workshops to hone their skills in client interviews and written client communications, as well as class sessions devoted to relevant areas of substantive law. As a part of classroom component of the clinic, students will be afforded an opportunity to conduct `mock interviews with small business and non-profit executives in the classroom, with feedback from interviewees and instructors. Each student will be introduced to a small business or non-profit organization for whom the student will conduct a legal audit, prepare and present oral and written reports of their findings, and, in some cases, prepare documents or instruments in connection with those findings, all under the general supervision of instructors and a pro bono consulting lawyer. Students will consult with client organizations to define the nature of the clients business or non-profit organization, the clients concerns and goals, and areas of legal concern. The legal audits will generally focus on form of organization, compliance with formal legal requirements, including issues relating to capacity and authority, regulatory compliance, employment law issues and special matters arising out of the specific industry or area of activity of the client.