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Northern Illinois University College of Law is relaunching its Business Law Innovation Clinic under the leadership of Robert Hsu. As its new Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, Professor Hsu brings a wealth of experience in business law, ethics and real estate, ensuring that law students receive hands-on training while providing critical legal services to entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses throughout Illinois.

With a distinguished career spanning private practice, corporate counsel and academia, Professor Hsu is dedicated to preparing law students for real-world legal practice. Before joining the NIU College of Law, Professor Hsu practiced as an attorney at Dentons, where he advised national clients on complex legal risks, contracts and regulatory compliance. His expertise further expanded when he served as in-house counsel for a publicly traded company, negotiating intricate contracts, lease agreements and commercial partnerships. His prior academic experience, which includes developing and teaching courses in business law and ethics, earned him accolades for his commitment to student success.

Under Professor Hsu’s leadership, the Business Law Innovation Clinic will continue its mission to provide high-quality, transactional legal assistance to primarily underrepresented entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofit organizations. The clinic will offer services in business formation, Business Enterprise Program certification, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status applications, drafting bylaws, contract review, corporate record keeping and intellectual property matters such as trademark registration. Eligible clients will receive these services free of charge, with responsibility only for necessary filing fees.

Through this clinic, NIU Law students will gain invaluable, hands-on experience working directly with clients on real legal matters, fostering a deeper understanding of business law while making a meaningful impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. By combining legal education with community service, the Business Law Innovation Clinic stands as a cornerstone of NIU Law’s commitment to experiential learning and public interest law. With its fall re-launch, the Business Law Innovation Clinic is poised to empower the next generation of legal professionals while strengthening businesses that drive economic growth in Illinois.