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Community Development Clinic (LAWS 6011)

Description

This is a year-long course; students must complete both semesters of work to receive credit. Students represent business and non-profit entities in formation of their businesses and to obtain tax exemption for non-profit corporations. They act as general counsel helping their clients plan for future projects and activities and operate in compliance with law that regulates their activities. Students may also help to structure tax, real estate and corporate transactions for entities. Students may have the opportunity to work on simple intellectual property matters including trademark, tradename and copyright registrations, as well as website issues and nondisclosure agreements. This clinic is primarily transactional in nature and is designed to expose students to the special problems encountered in representing entities and in structuring transactions. Seminar sessions will be devoted to discussions of applicable law pertaining to specific cases students are working on and development of the skills necessary to represent individuals and entities in transactional matters. Students also will be exposed to the ethical problems associated with entity representation.

Instructor

Prof. Matthew Rossman

Prof. Matthew Rossman is a Professor of Law and Director of the Community Development Clinic. Rossman also created and teaches the Urban Development Lab and is a co-founder and active participant in the Cleveland Roundtable on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law. His practice areas included corporate, securities, real estate, tax and nonprofit law.

Syllabus

Your syllabus is available via Canvas.

Textbook