What does it actually look like when law students become the primary lawyers for real-world startups and mission-driven businesses? In this episode, host Amelia Martella goes behind the scenes of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham Law School to explore how experiential learning prepares students for high-stakes corporate practice while serving New York’s entrepreneurial community. Amelia sits down with Professor Katherine Hughes, director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, and clinic students Kathryn Berman and Liam Keane, who are all currently working with real founders on real legal problems. Together, they delve into what a law clinic is, how the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic differs from traditional litigation-focused offerings, and how corporate and transactional work can be leveraged as a powerful pro bono tool to support low-income and mission-driven organizations. They also explore real-world examples, common startup pitfalls, how the clinic manages client expectations, and Professor Hughes’ approach to supervising students. Join the conversation to hear how the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic is shaping future big-law associates and expanding access to legal support for small businesses. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Discover what a law clinic is and how it supports the entrepreneurial community. 
• The Entrepreneurial Law Clinic (ELC) at Fordham and what sets it apart from other clinics. 
• Kathryn and Liam share what drew them to the ELC and how the experience is structured. 
• Example of how the ELC is helping an entrepreneur to overcome the typical startup pitfalls.
• Hear about the common challenges and hurdles of working with entrepreneurs and startups.
• Learn about the expected time horizons and how transitioning students is handled. 
• Professor Hughes’ approach to teaching students and working with entrepreneurs.
• How clients are selected and vetted through cold emails, legal services, and incubators.
• What Professor Hughes finds most rewarding about her pro-bono work and corporate law. 
• Find out what motivates Professor Hughes and how students benefit from law clinics. 
• Kathryn and Liam’s biggest takeaways from their time working with Professor Hughes.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Katherine Hughes on LinkedIn

Kathryn Berman on LinkedIn

Liam Keane on LinkedIn

Lincoln Square Legal Services Inc.

Fordham University | Entrepreneurial Law Clinic (ELC)

FrameShare

Communitas Ventures

Amelia Martella on LinkedIn

Fordham University School of Law Corporate Law Center