University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch
Part of our vision at the University of Manitoba is to take our place among leading universities through innovative teaching and learning. The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic in the Faculty of Law is an outstanding example of this, combining theory, skills and community practice to create an invaluable learning opportunity for UM Law students.
The success of this clinic is driven through meaningful partnerships in our community. UM Law students work closely with practicing lawyers and with support from the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Asper School of Business and North Forge Technology Exchange.
It is truly inspiring to see such partnerships strengthen and adapt in the face of new challenges, supporting our business community and providing our students with exceptional learning experiences. Participating students acquire a greater sense of confidence and competence as they transition from the classroom to the workforce, empowering them to be leaders in our province and beyond.
We are deeply grateful to alumnus L. Kerry Vickar [LLB/80], whose vision continues to have profound impacts as it is realized through the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and partners. The University of Manitoba is proud to be the home of this unique and innovative clinic, and I look forward to its continued success in the years to come.
Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
North Forge is proud to partner with and support the L.Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic. By doing so, we are providing critical resources to our startup founders while also exposing post-secondary students to integrated learning in a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
North Forge
North Forge is proud to partner with and support the L.Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic. By doing so, we are providing critical resources to our startup founders while also exposing post-secondary students to integrated learning in a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Student Testimonials
“Having worked at the Clinic during all three years of my law school journey, my experience working with the Clinic has been transformative to my growth as a future lawyer, particularly in the field of intellectual property (IP) law. Through hands-on client work, and participation in events like the CAN-TECH conference, I gained invaluable practical and theoretical insights into IP issues.
The ISED IP Clinic Funding has been crucial in making these opportunities accessible. It enabled the clinic to offer resources, host workshops, and support students like me in attending conferences that expand our networks and knowledge base. This funding also empowers the clinic to better serve Manitobans navigating the often-daunting world of IP protection.
Thanks to this experience, I feel well-prepared to contribute to the ever-evolving field of IP law in my future legal career.”
"Before joining the Clinic, I knew very little about IP law. In a few short months, I've been able to expand my knowledge and grow my interest in IP law. I was lucky enough to attend the fall 2025 CAN-TECH conference in Toronto, where I learned about current issues facing the world of IP and technology law, including hot topics like AI and drones. I've also been able to of see first-hand how important IP law can be to artists. I presented to the U of W business of theatre class this fall and am in the process of providing information on copyright licensing to a client of the Clinic's."
"Throughout my time with the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic (LKVBLC) and Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts (MLCA), I've been fortunate to gain diverse learning experiences in intellectual property (IP) law, through classroom instruction, hands-on clinical practice, and various extracurricular opportunities.
These experiences started almost immediately when our clinic partnered with North Forge Technology Exchange in September. During this visit, I joined fellow students to explore the vital role of IP in the tech and innovation sectors. We engaged in discussions led by industry leaders, including a standout presentation by Alex Stuart of Standard Carbon, who shared his experience navigating complex IP challenges with the support of North Forge’s ElevateIP program.
Then, in October I got to hear the experiences of my fellow clinicians who attended the CAN-TECH 2024 Conference. Their accounts of panels on cutting-edge topics such as AI regulation, cyberattack responses, data interoperability, and emerging IP frontiers broadened my perspective on the dynamic and evolving nature of technology law.
Shortly after, alongside my colleague Kassandra Taverner, I had the opportunity to co-lead an artist professional development session at the 2024 Manitoba Arts Network Showcase, focusing on copyrights, trademarks, and patents. In preparing for our presentation and engaging with Manitoban artists, I gained foundational knowledge about IP law and its practical applications. Teaching these concepts not only reinforced my understanding but also deepened my appreciation for the importance of empowering artists to protect and leverage their creative work effectively.
Recently, I was able to put some of this acquired IP knowledge into practice when a client requested a walkthrough on the nuances of patent law. We examined the legal requirements for obtaining a patent and how patents function to protect intellectual property, discussed the pros and cons of patenting their invention, weighed alternative forms of protection, and mapped out the patenting process. This practical application of IP law deepened my understanding of how legal strategies must align with a client’s business objectives.
Although still early in my clinic term, I have already been exposed to a wide range of IP concepts in diverse contexts. I look forward to continuing to develop my IP expertise and sharing this knowledge with the community through the LKVBLC and MLCA."
"Attending the Canadian Technology Law Association's Fall Technology Conference was an exceptional opportunity to learn about the evolving field of IP law. The conference provided access to industry leaders who offered invaluable insights into real-world IP challenges and strategies, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. I left the conference with a better understanding of how IP law shapes innovation and an appreciation for the complexities of a tech-driven world."
“The Vickar Business Law clinic has provided me the practical tools to feel confident in my abilities throughout my articling year and beyond. Interacting with clients as a law student was a rare opportunity that allowed me to understand and work through a variety of legal issues. Conducting work on files from start to finish has also given me a holistic view of the law and client management. Learning these skills, coupled with serving the Winnipeg business community as a student, has motivated me to continue this spirit of giving back during my legal career. I recommend this clinic to all students who are motivated to do the same — and all potential clients who want efficient, proactive, and excellent legal work done for their businesses.”
“My time with the Clinic was incredibly valuable. Working directly with clients and assisting them with various legal matters provided practical experience that has been beneficial to the beginning of my legal career. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Clinic and to have met so many amazing entrepreneurs!”
“The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic is an invaluable experience for both students, and the clients they serve. The Clinic allows students to practice their legal skills in a supportive and encouraging environment while providing high quality legal services to clients. Participating in the clinic allowed me to develop my interview, research, and communication skills which was essential for the transition into articling."
“The Clinic was an amazing experience, and I am proud to have been a part of it. I gained hands-on legal skills, built confidence in my ability to communicate with clients, and further developed my capacity to deliver high-quality work.”
"I am grateful for the experience that the Clinic has provided me. Client interaction and fulfillment is an important part of legal practice, and it cannot be taught in a traditional classroom."
Emily Lisi
J.D. Candidate 2022
“The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic provides real world experience to students interested in practicing business law. As a third-year student nearing the end of my formal legal education, the clinic provides me with a bridge between the classroom and the realities of practicing business law. I will forever be grateful of the opportunities the Clinic provided. Currently, as I am articling with MLT Aikins (in Winnipeg), I realize how practical the Clinic was and how it provided a strategical advantage as I entered articling.”
"This is an invaluable experience which will assist in the transition from law school to articling. During COVID-19, this is particularly important, as the job market has prevented many students from getting jobs and volunteering positions that provide them with this sort of experience.”
“It is often said by practicing lawyers that law school teaches you to think like a lawyer, not how to be a lawyer. The clinic teaches us how to be lawyers.”
“I am excited to be able to apply my legal education to provide small business owners with practical solutions during these hard times. The clinic will also be an invaluable learning opportunity as we will become accustomed to using virtual platforms to meet with clients and work collaboratively.”
“Being able to take this course means that I will have the opportunity to gain practical skills while also helping local businesses in what has been a challenging year for many.”
