1. What services can the Business Law Clinic provide?
The Clinic provides free legal research and information in various areas, including but not limited to: incorporation, financing, charitable registration, intellectual property protection, shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, employment law and taxation. If you are not sure whether the Clinic can assist you and your business, please feel free to contact us at (250) – 472 – 2522 or blc@uvic.ca and one of our students will follow up with you.
2. What services does the Business Law Clinic not provide?
The Clinic does not provide any information regarding family law, administrative law, criminal law, or litigation. The Clinic also does not provide any legal advice.
3. What is the difference between legal information and advice? Why can’t the Clinic provide legal advice?
The Clinic is run by upper-year law students at the University of Victoria. The students are not lawyers and therefore are not licensed to give legal opinions. As such, students are unable to provide recommendations on the best course of action for your business. Students may provide general information about the law, discuss your options, and provide a referral in the event you require legal advice.
4. Who can access Business Law Clinic services?
Anyone can request assistance from the Business Law Clinic! Whether or not we can assist you depends on your legal questions, not on who you are.
5. When can I expect the Clinic to answer my questions?
The Clinic aims to provide a letter or memorandum response to clients within 4-6 weeks of the initial interview. The student will conduct research and develop a draft letter which is then reviewed by both the Clinic Director and a local lawyer before being returned to the client.
6. Is the Business Law Clinic available all year?
Business Law Clinic services are available year-round, with the exception of April, August and December when law students are in exams.
7. What can I expect during my initial interview?
During the initial interview, one or two students will ask questions to understand the nature of your business and legal issues. Please bring any documents that you believe are relevant to your initial interview. Clients who reside in Victoria are typically interviewed in person at the University of Victoria, while those living in other communities can be interviewed by telephone or Zoom.
Note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all initial interviews are currently being conducted via Zoom or telephone.
8. I am looking to start a business. What is the best business structure for me?
It is important to consider the different options available to you before registering your business. There are three common business structures: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership and Corporation. Each structure has important implications for things such as taxation, liability, and succession.
If you’re looking for more information on these topics, check out our blog post on the advantages and disadvantages of the various business structures or contact the Clinic and we would be happy to assist you.