Law students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic shared their knowledge with Balmoral Hall students at an annual visit this March. Left to right: Kaylee Furber, Jamie Robertson, Rebecca Penner, Ashley Slagerman.
Cultivating Creativity and Commerce
Business Law Clinic Students Present at Balmoral Hall
In a dynamic collaboration between the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, four third-year law students —Ashley Slagerman, Kaylee Furber, Jamie Robertson, and Rebecca Penner from the Faculty of Law —enriched their final year of Law School by sharing as well as enriching the Grade 9-10 Balmoral Hall Venture Development and Law classes at Balmoral Hall, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with an engaging and informative presentation covering business law basics.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, a pioneering initiative launched in 2023, stands as Manitoba’s sole clinic dedicated to offering free legal guidance tailored explicitly for artists and arts organizations. Kaylee Furber had her second opportunity to speak to students, following her initial presentation on copyright to the Desautels Faculty of Music earlier this Winter Term. Reflecting on these experiences she said, “It’s wonderful to share what we’ve learned about intellectual property from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts with so many young creatives in Manitoba. We hope these presentations are insightful and inspiring, especially for the young women at Balmoral Hall considering careers in this field”.
At the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, the four students have worked for various pro bono clients on a wide array of business law matters such as drafting contracts and providing information on incorporation as well as other corporate and commercial matters for small businesses, start-up, entrepreneurs, family businesses and non-profit clients that do not have a lawyer and cannot afford legal assistance.
Jamie Robertson shared her thoughts on sharing this information with the high school students, “We were so excited to share some of the knowledge we have learned through our work at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic with the Balmoral Hall students. The differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations, how to register a business name and basic tax information is all important knowledge to be shared, especially with the Venture Development and Law classes. We all feel fortunate to have had the opportunity through the Clinic to present to such bright and enthusiastic students. We hope the presentation inspired some of the students to pursue a legal career in the future!”
Reflecting on the experience, the Balmoral Hall Venture Development teacher, Kirstan Osborne stated that it was an inspiring experience to her students. Ashley Slagerman said the law students felt the same way as “after three years of law school, it’s exciting to get outside of the classroom and see young girls interested in entrepreneurship and the law, and visiting Balmoral Hall served as a delightful reminder of that enthusiasm as we go forward into articling.”
Having been mentored throughout the year by their two supervising lawyers, Nick Slonosky and Yvan Larocque, in both the Business Law Clinic and Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, these law students seized the opportunity to impart the knowledge they’ve gained to the next generation of entrepreneurs. “It was very fulfilling to be able to share some of our learning and experiences with young women” said Rebecca Penner.
The presentation delved into crucial topics spanning business structures, intellectual property, and taxation—essential pillars for budding entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesses alike.
As a token of gratitude, each Balmoral Hall student received a UM Faculty of Law keychain, symbolizing their ongoing journey towards success.
Looking ahead, the students eagerly anticipate the continued growth and impact of both the Business Law Clinic and Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts in nurturing and supporting aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.
For those interested in supporting the next generation of emerging entrepreneurs please check out the Balmoral Hall Makers Market. Buy local for your gift ideas and shopping needs.