Law students looking to gain real-world experience while making a tangible impact on their community find the perfect resource in the Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) at Lewis & Clark Law School.
Unlike traditional law school classes that focus on theory, SBLC functions like a teaching law firm, allowing students to step into the role of an attorney under the supervision of experienced faculty and attorneys. Professor Susan Felstiner, the clinic’s director, describes SBLC’s mission as twofold: to train students in the practice of law and to promote economic development in the community. Students learn how to interview clients, research and draft legal documents, navigate ethical dilemmas, and develop their professional identities in a way that simply isn’t possible in a classroom setting.
Shannon Reny ’25, a former SBLC student, likens the clinic to a medical residency program: “I describe it to other people as like a teaching hospital you see on Grey’s Anatomy. We get to do everything an attorney would do, but with the guidance of Professor Felstiner.” From entity formation to contracts, trademarks, and regulatory compliance, students handle real cases and work directly with clients, giving them a practical, confidence-building experience.
For many students, the SBLC is the most impactful part of their law school journey. Alma Avena ’25, another SBLC participant, initially joined the clinic because she experienced a sense of imposter syndrome about entering the legal field. She describes how working directly with clients helped her realize that her legal knowledge was not only useful but essential: “We spend all this time in the classroom, but this was the moment I realized I could actually help someone.”
The clinic provides a safe but realistic environment where students take responsibility for their cases. Alma recalls her first assignment: “Prof Felstiner just handed me a client file and said, ‘You’re meeting with them next week.’ I was like, are you serious? But that level of trust really forces you to step up and learn.” The experience is designed to build independence, develop professional skills, and prepare students to practice law with confidence.
Additionally, students work closely with experienced attorneys and alumni who provide mentorship and networking opportunities. Weekly seminars with guest speakers introduce students to specialized legal fields, offering deeper insights into business law and helping them expand their professional connections.
While the SBLC is a transformative experience for students, its impact extends far beyond the law school campus. The clinic provides affordable legal services to low income entrepreneurs, many of whom would otherwise be unable to access legal assistance.
Professor Felstiner highlights the clinic’s role in economic justice, explaining that helping small businesses navigate legal challenges is crucial for community development. SBLC clients include local artisans, therapists, handymen, inventors and more —people who are passionate about their work but may struggle with the legal complexities of running a business.
Shannon recalls working with a client who was launching a new business and needed trademark protection for her brand. They were able to guide the client from the initial filing to successfully securing the trademark, an achievement that gave both the client and Shannon a sense of accomplishment. Similarly, Alma worked with a client who needed a legal document finalized within two weeks to secure a major grant. “That was a real moment of pressure, but also a moment where I realized that what we do really matters,” she says.
For incoming and prospective Lewis & Clark law students, the SBLC offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to develop practical legal skills, work with real clients, and contribute to the local business community. It’s a chance to step beyond the classroom, take ownership of legal cases, and grow into a capable attorney before even graduating.
Whether you’re interested in transactional law, business law, or simply want to gain hands-on legal experience, the SBLC provides an unparalleled learning environment. As Shannon puts it: “It was the most practical and impactful part of my law school career.”
For those looking to graduate with both legal expertise and real-world experience, all while benefiting the community and entrepreneurs, the Small Business Legal Clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School is an opportunity not to be missed.
