Many law students wonder how the law truly operates in practice. VU Amsterdam has come up with a solution: The Startup Clinic.
The Startup Clinic is an example of Law in Action. Under the guidance of experienced lawyers, you provide legal advice to a tech startup and prepare for this through interdisciplinary education. The Startup Clinic is exclusively available to law students (12 ECTS). The entrepreneurship part of the Startup Clinic takes place in Period 2 (November/December).
"You get taught law from the books. So you don't really know what law works like in practice." - initiator Kaylee Zournas
At the Startup Clinic, the education consists of three components: legal education, entrepreneurship masterclasses, and skills training.
Legal Education
Each week, you examine the corporate structure of the startup from a different perspective. For example, one week may focus on the influence of intellectual property, while the next week covers the role of shareholders. Lessons are based on existing agreements and models, allowing you to understand not only the theory but also how it is applied in practice.
Entrepreneurship Masterclasses
We believe that more than just legal knowledge is necessary to provide sound advice. During the Entrepreneurship Masterclasses, you will learn to understand the entrepreneur and speak their language. Experts and real entrepreneurs will share their insights, providing you with an understanding of the startup's lifecycle and the decisions entrepreneurs face.
Skills Academy
In the Startup Clinic, we aim to equip you not only with knowledge but also with the skills to effectively communicate that knowledge. We consider skills an important part of your academic development. Therefore, in collaboration with law firms, we will teach you certain skills, such as client communication and crafting high-quality advice. These skills will be valuable for your practical assignments.
Some classes will take place at law firms, allowing you to interact with different firms in an accessible manner and ask questions to industry experts. Find more information (in Dutch) on the Faculty of Law webpage.
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