FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 21, 2014 – Texas A&M University School of Law, through its Center for Law and Intellectual Property (CLIP), offers several law clinics and opportunities for experiential learning, service and leadership.
CLIP clinics include:
Clinics offer opportunities for students to practice law and for community members to receive legal advice. Law students work under the supervision of experienced attorneys and if able to take the case, can represent a client.
Texas A&M School of Law was one of only five schools in the nation to be selected to participate in both the patent and trademark divisions of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Law School Clinic Certification Program during the 2014 expansion. Through this program, students provide legal services to underserved members of the legal community free of charge. Selection of clients is based on a variety of criteria, including financial need.
Through CLIP clinics, clients can receive information about starting a business, partnership, corporation or nonprofit. Students assist clients with tasks like completing and filing legal documents, helping with company formation or working on partnership agreements. Clients can also receive legal assistance with trademark selection, clearance, registration and patent searches and applications.
“Entrepreneurship and economic development is a topic that touches everyone,” said Professor Megan Carpenter, CLIP director and faculty director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. “Students gain hands-on experience through our clinics.”
3L Olga Campbell got involved with the Trademarks Clinic in January and was selected to work closely with the supervising attorney to sustain the clinic through the summer. For her, the most worthwhile part of working with a clinic is working with clients.
“I like the experience of handling my own case and client under the supervision of a very experienced attorney. It is a great feeling when you file your trademark application after all the research, analysis and meetings with the client,” Campbell said.
She enjoyed working with the clinic so much that she stayed on through the fall semester.
CLIP also works with Startup Aggieland through the clinics.
“Our student attorneys are representing Startup Aggieland student entrepreneurs, and it has been an incredible experience. It enables students on both sides to step up and take a leadership role, to act as professionals in an experiential-learning environment,” Carpenter said.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the folks at Startup Aggieland, and I look forward to seeing that relationship grow and develop as we continue to create interdisciplinary opportunities.”
Learn more about CLIP.
- Story by Daniella Wiedel, Texas A&M University School of Law Communications Specialist.
- Photos by Christy Cleger, Texas A&M University School of Law Marketing Coordinator.
Article originally appeared in TAMU Times, now known as TAMU Today.
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Media contact: Daniella Wiedel, Texas A&M University School of Law Communications Specialist.
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