Community Economic Development Clinic

Law students spur economic development in New York’s Capital Region and sharpen their transactional legal skills through the Community Economic Development Clinic - part of The Justice Center at Albany Law School.

Founded in 2016, the clinic serves as a legal resource for individuals, startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and grassroots groups to increase access to transactional legal services.

These groups often don’t have access to affordable or pro bono legal services, and require assistance in forming nonprofit and for-profit entities, hiring contractors and employees, purchasing real estate, applying for tax exemption, and advocating in their communities, among other things.

Students, under the supervision of a professor or staff attorney (all practicing attorneys) learn key corporate law and deal closing skills, including client counseling and interviewing, negotiation, drafting, advocacy, and public speaking. Students learn the importance of pro bono and professional responsibility by servicing underrepresented and under-resourced populations.

The Community Economic Development Clinic was made possible by a generous donation by Edward P. Swyer and the Swyer Family Foundation.