The University of Victoria’s Business Law Clinic provides free legal information to help owners, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations across British Columbia to achieve their business goals. Second and third year law students work closely with clients to provide detailed reports on various business law related topics such as incorporation, financing, charitable registration, intellectual property protection, taxation, employment law, and contracts.
Students interested in business law are eager to participate in the clinic to gain practical experience through interactions with clients. The clinic director, Michael Litchfield, supervises students closely. Additionally, students are paired with lawyers from across the province who act in a mentorship capacity. Students learn invaluable skills not taught in the classroom, such as how to interview a client or even how to draft a contract. The clinic runs alongside a student’s other courses, resulting in a busy and meaningful four-month term. Each student manages several client files a semester.
The Business Law Clinic exists to serve clients of all types, as long as they have an inquiry directed to business law. There are no organizational size or income caps, unlike some other legal information services. Clients are free to use the information provided by the Clinic as they see fit, whether that means handling a matter alone, or as preparation for a meeting with a lawyer. Often clients will contact the Clinic in relation to one issue, such as intellectual property protection, but will quickly be informed that another issue, such as an unexpected partnership, should be discussed.
If you require business law information or assistance, please leave a message with the Business Law Clinic at 250-472-4522 or e-mail blc@uvic.ca. A Clinic representative will reply to your message as soon as possible. If your particular issue or legal question suits the objectives of the program, the Clinic will schedule an interview to allow you to discuss your situation with a University of Victoria Law student.
