Clinics and Practical Skills

At Lewis & Clark Law School, students interested in intellectual property law have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC)—a nationally recognized program that combines service with real-world legal training.

Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC)
The SBLC offers transactional legal services to low-income small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations. Through this work, students develop practical skills while helping clients navigate the legal challenges of launching and growing a business.

Patent and Trademark Program – Certified by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The SBLC’s Patent and Trademark Program gives upper-division students experiential training in intellectual property law. Under the supervision of a clinical professor, student interns serve as the primary legal representatives for clients seeking trademark or patent protection. Interns gain valuable experience in client counseling, drafting, and filing trademark and patent applications—all while helping underserved communities protect their ideas and innovations.

This hands-on clinic experience equips students with the skills and confidence to step into IP law practice immediately after graduation.