University of Minnesota Law School launches new Corporate Institute

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (09/14/2011) —The University of Minnesota Law School is expanding its business law program with the establishment of the Corporate Institute. Building upon the strength of its internationally recognized business law faculty, the Corporate Institute combines current business-oriented activities with new programs to provide more business-related legal opportunities for students, faculty and alumni. The institute has been established through generous support from alumni and local business leaders.

Under the umbrella of the new Corporate Institute, students can receive a business law concentration certification, participate in the business law clinic and corporate externship programs, pursue a dual Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degree in collaboration with the Carlson School of Management and study abroad in business programs in Milan, Italy, and Hamburg, Germany.

“Closer connections with the business community are a top priority for the Law School,” said Dean David Wippman. “Creation of the Corporate Institute is a significant step in that direction. I am pleased that professor John Matheson, an internationally recognized expert in the area of corporate and business law, will serve as inaugural director of the Corporate Institute.”

Three new initiatives will be introduced this year with the launch of the Corporate Institute. The Corporate Institute will offer a new Master of Laws business law program for foreign lawyers, exposing them to a broad array of legal skills and knowledge crucial to the global practice of business law.

The new Leadership Foundations Program, which takes place between the fall and spring semesters, offers current students intensive exposure to fundamental leadership skills and concepts. The first program is scheduled for Jan. 11–13, 2012.

On Sept. 19, Eric Nicholson (’93), managing director at the investment bank Greene Holcomb & Fisher, will kick off the “Taking Care of Business,” speaker series with a talk on “Doing Deals with Investment Bankers.” In February 2012, Arne Sorenson (’83), president and chief operating officer of Marriott International, Inc., will share best practices and business tips.

Additionally, the student-led Business Law Association will co-sponsor the speaker series as well as host movie nights and other events to provide networking opportunities for students, alumni and the business community.

“The numerous Fortune 500 companies, major public corporations and large private companies in the Twin Cities provide a vibrant business community and abundant programming opportunities for the University of Minnesota Law School,” says Matheson. “The Corporate Institute will utilize these fantastic resources, and those supplied by our excellent and supportive Twin Cities law firms, to enhance the business law program for the benefit of our students and the business community.”

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• Last modified on September 14, 2011