The NIU College of Law formally launched its new Business Law Innovation Clinic (BLIC) with a reception held on Wednesday, September 28 at the NIU Naperville Campus. The event was well attended by NIU senior leadership including President Lisa C. Freeman, Executive Vice President and Provost Beth Ingram, Dean Cassandra L. Hill, and many more. In addition, practitioners, law students, alumni and other guests were excited to support this new venture for the NIU College of Law in partnership with Dean Balaji Rajagopalan and the College of Business.
“NIU is an engaged public university that prides itself on promoting social mobility, empowering students, and serving our region by driving innovation and economic prosperity,” said President Freeman.
During the reception, Dean Hill announced the launch of the NIU Law Crowdfunding Campaign to help raise much needed funds for the BLIC. With a goal of $25.000 for this project, funds will be used to help prepare servant leaders and social engineers who will empower people to bring their business ideas to life. Donations to the campaign can be made between now and October 20 at https://crowdfund.niu.edu/BLIC22.
Under the direction of Clinical Professor Lawrence A. Stein (’93), the BLIC offers high-quality, transactional legal assistance to primarily underrepresented entrepreneurs, small business owners and not-for-profit business organizations. The BLIC will focus on providing legal representation and assistance in the areas of business formation, Business Enterprise Program certification, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, drafting bylaws, reviewing contracts to sell and purchase, advising on corporate recordkeeping, and general intellectual property issues such as trademark registration. Services will be free for clients that fall below requisite income levels, and clients will be responsible for paying any filing fees.
“From all of our discussions and meetings, we knew there was a definite need for legal services,” said Dean Hill. “Many business and community leaders, including our Advisory Board, helped us identify how we could make the most impact with a business clinic in DeKalb and throughout the Chicagoland area,” she added.
Students like David Mwirichia (3L) were excited for the opportunity to participate in the new clinic and have already gained valuable knowledge and experience during the first few weeks of the Clinic. “Professor Stein has emphasized the importance of taking a client-centered approach in all our cases. He reminds us that a business is not just a revenue stream. People pour in their life savings, hopes, dreams, quit their jobs and take the bold step of offering a valuable service to members of their community, across the nation, and even the world,” said David.
“We need your assistance to continue to train and produce future generations of lawyers who will positively impact the communities in which they live by servicing small business owners, underrepresented entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizers. This is the public service of business law,” said Dean Hill.
The BLIC is looking to serve clients from the DeKalb and surrounding communities as well as underrepresented communities in the greater Chicagoland area and throughout the state who might not be able to access these types of legal services on their own. Referrals to the Business Law Innovation Clinic are encouraged and welcomed. Please contact Professor Stein at
l-stein@niu.edu with questions or to find out how the BLIC can help to add value to your business mission and operations.
