Organizations and Transactions Clinic: Clinical Practice
The goal of the Organizations and Transactions Clinic ("O&T") is to introduce students to the materials, expectations, interactions, disciplines and vocabulary of corporate practice. We learn about corporate context, relationships and documents, and about the expectations for professional work-product and client communication. We emphasize methodical analysis, effective collaboration, efficient writing and crisp execution. As part of introduction to practice, we also want students to see how corporate lawyers can serve community as well as commercial organizations through pro bono, board service and other activities. O&T client work centers on representation of established Northern California nonprofit organizations. Clients vary by size, policy area and operating model; most have annual revenues between $300,000 and $7 million. The clinic targets organizations working in sustainable agriculture, food security and food system reform; core human services such as mental health care, shelter, and family support; and education and youth development. Our practice focuses on corporate governance, contract and risk management matters. We provide governance advice and documents, draft contract and management materials and analyze operating programs and contractual arrangements. We do all our client work in two-person teams. Students have primary responsibility for client work, acting the under the supervision of the clinic director and clinical teaching fellow. Students generally work with 3 - 4 clients during the quarter and typically interact with client CEOs, board members and general counsels.