The Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic at Penn Carey Law: Where Doing Good is Good Business

Imagine a world where bright-eyed, bushy-tailed entrepreneurs with hearts full of dreams and heads full of innovative ideas for social change could access top-notch legal support without having to max out their credit cards. Sounds kinda utopian, right? Well, strap in, because that’s precisely the kind of magic happening at the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic (ELC) at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Born from a partnership between Penn Carey Law and the Wharton School back in nineteen eighty-one, the ELC is no newbie to the game. For over four decades, it’s been a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those on a mission to make the world a better, more equitable, and just plain awesome place.

ELC’s Impact and Mission: A Helping Hand, Not a Handout

Now, let’s talk impact, because that’s what really gets us jazzed up. The ELC isn’t about throwing legal jargon around and racking up billable hours. It’s about empowering changemakers, one contract at a time.

Supporting Diverse Ventures: From Foodies to Fashionistas, ELC’s Got Your Back

Think of an industry, any industry. Got it? Good. Chances are, the ELC has helped a business in that very sector get off the ground and soar to new heights. We’re talking food, arts, fashion, health science, environmental businesses—you name it, they’ve done it. And the best part? They’re not picky about profit margins. Whether you’re a for-profit company looking to disrupt the status quo or a non-profit organization with a heart of gold, the ELC welcomes you with open arms (and a stack of legal documents, because, well, paperwork).

Focus on Social Impact: Because Changing the World Requires a Legal Dream Team

The driving force behind this legal powerhouse? None other than Praveen Kosuri, the Deputy Dean for Clinical Education and Director of the ELC. This legal maverick envisioned a clinic where social impact wasn’t just a buzzword but the very foundation of its existence. And boy, did he deliver! The ELC has become a shining example of how to seamlessly weave social impact into the fabric of legal education. Kosuri, a man who clearly doesn’t mince words, describes the ELC’s approach as “grassroots economic development.” And you know what? He’s spot on. By empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses, the ELC is fostering a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the walls of the clinic.

ELC’s Role as an Experiential Learning Opportunity: Where Law Students Trade Textbooks for Real-World Experience

Hold up, did we mention that the ELC is also a hotbed for budding legal eagles? That’s right, this isn’t your typical lecture hall snooze-fest. We’re talking about the Gittis Legal Clinics, Penn Carey Law’s very own teaching law firm. Here, law students don’t just read about the law; they live it, breathe it, and maybe even dream about it (we won’t judge).

Up to sixteen lucky students per semester get the chance to ditch the hypothetical scenarios and dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of real-life client work. We’re talking about rolling up their sleeves and dedicating about twenty hours per week to learning the ropes from seasoned legal veterans. It’s like a legal boot camp, but with less yelling and more contract drafting (we assume, anyway).

But it’s not all work and no play. Okay, it’s mostly work, but it’s the kind of work that makes you jump out of bed in the morning (or at least drag yourself out with a newfound sense of purpose).

Blending Theory and Practice: Because Nobody Wants a Lawyer Who’s Clueless About the Real World

Let’s be real, folks—reading a textbook about contract law is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But at the ELC, law students get to combine their classroom knowledge with hands-on experience, which is basically the legal equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your pocket—unexpected and awesome.

Under the watchful eyes of experienced faculty members who’ve seen it all and lived to tell the tale, these aspiring lawyers get to:

• Channel their inner Shakespeare and draft (and review) legal documents like operating agreements and vendor agreements, because even the most well-intentioned business needs a solid contract (or ten).
• Become masters of management and employment advice, because navigating the wild world of HR is not for the faint of heart (or the legally uninformed).
• Dispense wisdom on all things intellectual property, because in the age of ideas, protecting your creations is non-negotiable.

ELC Success Story: Baleena—Filtering Out Microplastics and Making Waves

Now, let’s put a face to the ELC’s impact. Meet Baleena, a company founded by a group of whip-smart Penn students who decided to tackle the massive problem of microplastic pollution, one laundry load at a time. Their brilliant solution? Innovative filters that trap those pesky microplastics before they can escape into our waterways and wreak havoc on the environment.

Talk about a winning idea! In 2022, Baleena snagged the inaugural President’s Sustainability Prize at Penn, proving that doing good is not only good for the soul but can also earn you some serious bragging rights (and probably a sweet trophy).

But even eco-warriors need a little legal guidance. As Baleena began to grow faster than a Chia Pet on a windowsill, they knew they needed expert advice to navigate the treacherous waters of corporate partnerships.

Enter the ELC, their legal knights in shining armor (or maybe suits, we’re not sure about the dress code). The ELC swooped in and provided Baleena with the legal know-how they needed to secure those all-important partnerships and take their business to the next level. And that, my friends, is what we call a true success story.

A Testament to ELC’s Impact: Because Success Speaks Louder Than Words

Baleena’s journey is a shining example of the ELC’s incredible impact on companies with a social mission. It’s proof that with a little help from some legally savvy friends, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.

Student Perspective: Yusef Ahmad—From Law Student to Legal Superhero (Well, Almost)

Let’s hear it from the horse’s mouth, or in this case, the law student’s keyboard. Meet Yusef Ahmad, an ELC student who had the opportunity to work directly with Baleena, putting his legal skills to the test in the real world.

What did this legal eagle-in-training get to sink his teeth into? Oh, just a few minor tasks like:

• Negotiating an agreement with a laboratory for product testing and development, because even the most groundbreaking inventions need to be put through the wringer (scientifically speaking, of course).
• Developing corporate governance rules, because every superhero team needs a rule book (even if it’s just to keep things interesting).
• Advising on future strategic partnerships, because two heads (or companies) are always better than one (especially when they’re both on a mission to save the world).

And what did Yusef think of this whole experience? Was it a soul-crushing, coffee-fueled nightmare? Not quite. In fact, he found it incredibly rewarding and impactful. And let’s be honest, when a law student says something is “rewarding,” you know it has to be good.

ELC’s Impact on Students’ Professional Development: Shaping Lawyers Who Are Ready to Take on the World

The ELC isn’t just about churning out legal documents and winning cases (although they’re pretty darn good at that too). It’s about something much bigger—it’s about shaping the next generation of lawyers, the kind who understand that the law is not just a tool for winning arguments but a powerful instrument for social change.

From Practical Skills to a Moral Compass: The ELC Advantage

Here’s how the ELC is equipping its students with the skills, experience, and values they need to make a real difference in the world:

• Practical Skills: Forget hypothetical scenarios and mock trials—the ELC throws its students headfirst into the deep end of real-world legal work, giving them a competitive edge in the job market and beyond.
• Professional Identity: By working directly with clients and tackling complex legal issues, ELC students develop a strong sense of professional identity and purpose, transforming from wide-eyed law students into confident, competent legal professionals.
• Social Impact and Ethical Practice: The ELC instills in its students a deep commitment to social impact and ethical legal practice, reminding them that being a lawyer is not just about winning cases but about using their skills to make the world a more just and equitable place.

As Praveen Kosuri so eloquently puts it, “They are not just learning what a lawyer does but what a lawyer is.” And that, my friends, is the true magic of the ELC.