Supporting small businesses: Assisting entrepreneurs and mentoring future legal leaders

For the past five years, lawyers in our Vancouver office have worked with University of British Columbia law students to advise small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations through the Business Law Clinic. The program provides legal assistance to organizations that might not otherwise have access to it, while helping students develop their understanding of business law.

The Business Law Clinic advises on matters ranging from incorporation and shareholder agreements to commercial leases and intellectual property. For many clients – including early-stage companies and community organizations – this is their first time receiving legal guidance. The clinic has assisted dozens of clients in receiving business-focused legal support each term.

In addition to receiving real-world experience, students who participate in the clinic attend weekly seminar discussions on legal practice topics. Two DLA Piper lawyers, Associates Gavyn Backus and Tyson Gratton (both Vancouver), have served as adjunct professors.