Institute News & Events

Corporate Institute Co-Sponsors 'Dewey & LeBeouf: Lessons Learned to Date' Event
On Monday, February 25, 2013, "Dewey & LeBeouf: Lessons Learned to Date," an education program and reception will be held in Lockhart Hall (Room 25) of the Law School from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The speakers are Albert Togut of Togut, Segal & Segal, LLP; Professor Edward S. Adams of the University of Minnesota Law School; and James L. Baillie of Fredrikson & Byron. There is no charge to attend the program; however, you must RSVP by Monday, February 18 via email to events@gpmlaw.com, or by phone to 612-632-3398. The event is co-sponsored by the Corporate Institute, the American College of Bankruptcy, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association.

Law School Launches Mentoring Program
The Law School's Corporate Institute has launched its Mentoring Program, by inviting all Law School alumni to participate as mentors. This program gives law students opportunities to learn about business and business law careers. Students will be able to search a database of University of Minnesota Law School alumni who have agreed to offer them mentoring opportunities. For more information, go to www.law.umn.edu/corporateinstitute/mentoring-program.html.

"Executive Superstars, Peer Groups and Over-Compensation - Cause, Effect and Solution"
On October 3, 2012, Charles M. Elson and Craig K. Ferrere of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware presented their paper on executive compensation, arguing that the present manner in which compensation is set is flawed. They proposed an alternative—that compensation committees develop internally created standards of pay, relying less on peer group benchmarking. The event was co-sponsored by Faegre Baker Daniels, the Corporate Institute, the Institute for Law and Economics, and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Corporate Institute Names Board of Advisors
The University of Minnesota Law School's Corporate Institute has named its inaugural Board of Advisors to provide guidance toward the Institute's future vision and goals. The Board will suggest initiatives and strategies, offer feedback, and help develop resources to advance the Institute's projects.

Business Law Clinic Offers BizVet, a Pilot Program for Returning Veterans
The University of Minnesota Law School's Business Law Clinic, a program component of its Corporate Institute, is beginning a pilot program for veterans in September 2012. Called BizVet, the program is geared to returning veterans who are starting businesses or resuming work at existing businesses.

Negotiation Team Takes Second Place in International Competition
From July 1-8, 2012, the ABA Regional and National Champion Negotiation Team of Bobby Mir (’12) and Ben Tozer (’12) traveled to Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland with coach Mary Alton to compete for the United States in the 2012 International Negotiation Competition. Alums Mir and Tozer, wrapping up their third year on the Negotiation Team, made a magnificent showing in this competition, placing second and scoring better than teams from 14 other countries.

David F. Fisher Named Executive Director of Corporate Institute
David F. Fisher has been appointed Executive Director of the University of Minnesota Law School's recently created Corporate Institute, announces Law School Dean David Wippman.

Mary Alton Named Minn. Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Professor Mary Alton the Minnesota Minority Small Business Champion of the Year. A champion is selected in each state annually for outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of minority-owned small businesses.

Corporate Institute Co-Sponsors "Exploring Careers in Business Law" Program
On March 28, 2012, the Corporate Institute, in conjunction with the Minnesota State Bar Association Business Law Section and the Business Law Association, presented "Exploring Careers in Business Law." A panel discussion and reception gave students a chance to hear from a diverse group of business lawyers, in-house counsel, and business executives about the array of opportunities available to those with a law degree and an interest in business. Students learned what they do, why they love what they do, and what they could do to prepare themselves for a successful career in law and business.

3Ls Ben Tozer and Bobby Mir Win ABA National Negotiation Competition
The ABA National Negotiation Competition is the culmination of many local and ten regional tournaments. On Feb. 2, 2012, the Law School's competitors and alternates for the competition traveled to the ABA mid-winter meeting in New Orleans to vie with 228 teams representing 116 law schools. Ben Tozer (’12) and Bobby Mir (’12) emerged as the 2011-12 ABA Negotiation champions.

Law School Negotiation Team: On to the Nationals
The University of Minnesota Law School negotiation teams, sponsored by the Corporate Institute, made a great showing at the ABA Region 5 Negotiation Competition this fall at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. This year's topic was real property. The teams represented virtual clients who brought new issues to each of three rounds of negotiations.

Corporate Institute Co-Sponsors NYC Conference on Extraterritorial Securities Litigation, Oct. 24
The Corporate Institute co-sponsored, with Dorsey & Whitney, a conference in New York City on extraterritorial securities litigation after Morrison v. National Australia Bank, a 2011 case in which the Supreme Court limited the reach of federal securities laws to transactions inside the United States.

The University of Minnesota Law School Launches New Corporate Institute
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.