The University of Colorado at Boulder School of Law today announced the formation of the Entrepreneurial Law Center (ELC) and the appointment of Professor Dale Oesterle, CU聮s Monfort Professor of Commercial Law, as director of the center.
According to Oesterle, because the Boulder-Denver corridor is one of the top areas of the country for incubation of entrepreneurial enterprises, the Center is being established to deal with legal topics relevant to high tech start-up and emerging companies. Enthusiasm for the ELC has been generated in part by the success of local firms involved in biotechnology, telecommunication and Internet start-ups on the Front Range.
"The center will give assistance to start-up entrepreneurs who do not have the cash to pay lawyers," said Oesterle. "As the businesses mature and obtain funding, we will turn them over to local attorneys." Oesterle said the first meeting of the ELC Operating Board is scheduled for today, April 20.
According to Oesterle, a number of topics will be on Thursday聮s agenda. Establishing dates for the First Annual Entrepreneurial Conference, sometime in early autumn of this year, and the formation of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for operation during the fall semester are first and foremost on the list, said Oesterle.
Other discussion items include sponsorship of an on-line journal, "Law and Entrepreneurs," and creation of a local internship program for law students aspiring to be transactional lawyers.
Future plans envision the organization of a study abroad program to work with people in an undeveloped country seeking to establish an entrepreneurial base. The center is investigating opportunities in Vietnam, Poland and Asia.
Funding for the Entrepreneurial Law Center is another focal point of the first meeting, said Oesterle. The center has been awarded an initial grant of $25,000 from the Coleman Foundation but is actively pursuing other such grants and donations.
"At some point in the future, we hope to name the center after a donor who offers permanent support over time," he said.
In addition to professors from the School of Law, the Operating Board is comprised of local corporate or intellectual property attorneys affiliated with either a law firm or a newly emerging company.
Current board membership includes David Cook of Chrisman, Bynam and Johnson, P.C.; John Hayes of Brobeck, Phleger and Harrison LLP; Christopher D. Ozeroff of Hogan and Hartsell, LLP; Dale A. Oesterle, Monfort Professor of Commercial Law at CU; Robert W. Planchard, General Counsel of Global Commerce Systems, Inc.; Arthur Sartorelli of Decisionism; and Steven Segal and Barry Weiss, both of Cooley Godward LLP.
Dean of Law and Professor Harold H. Bruff will participate as an ex-officio board member.
People interested in supporting the Entrepreneurial Law Center or who want further information are urged to contact the center at (303) 492-8163.