The Clinic offers legal services and information on basic corporate and securities, intellectual property, and employment topics relevant to startups.
Some of the questions our student caseworkers may be able to help with include:
uOttawa Startup Law Clinic
By offering accessible legal assistance to early-stage startups, with an emphasis on those looking to foster positive social change, the Startup Law Clinic aims to give law students practical insight into the legal challenges faced by startups and promote the development of the Ottawa startup community.
Our Services
The Clinic does not assist on litigation or other dispute resolution matters; patent, trademark, or copyright filings; tax matters; or matters that are adverse to the University of Ottawa or any component thereof.
Becoming a Student Caseworker
Caseworkers are upper year law students who have been admitted to the startup law clinical course offered in the fall semester. Over the course of the semester, caseworkers may be involved in interviewing clients, drafting and reviewing contracts, preparing legal memoranda, and making presentations on legal issues. They also attend weekly seminars on selected topics related to startup law as well as legal skills, ethics, and professionalism.
The Clinic offers student caseworkers the opportunity to:
- learn how to interact with clients, manage a client file, and work with senior lawyers;
- acquire substantive knowledge in various aspects of startup law, as well as an understanding of their professional responsibilities as students and eventually as lawyers; and
- improve their presentation skills by carrying out a group public education session on a chosen topic related to the Clinic’s work.
Students interested in applying to join the Clinic in future years are encouraged to take Law for Start-Ups, a seminar course offered in the Winter semester, as well as Droit des sociétés/Business Organizations.
Team
Student Caseworkers (Fall 2024)
Acknowledgement
The Clinic is grateful for funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario.