Business Experiential Learning
Business Clinical Programs
Our outstanding clinical business law programs turn the DFW area into a living laboratory for our students and provide them with many opportunities for a hands-on lesson of law in the real world. Our Small Business and Trademark Clinic provides students with training and experience in how to be a transactional lawyer by working with new and existing small businesses and non-profit organizations. The Patent Clinic offers students the opportunity to gain essential experience in counseling clients, drafting patent applications, and communicating with patent examiners through work with growing start-up and entrepreneurial clients. Students in the Federal Taxpayers Clinic handle all aspects of controversies with the IRS, including representing taxpayers before the United States Tax Court.
Corporate Counsel Externship Program
SMU Dedman Law is on the cutting edge when it comes to educating students about the in-house practice of Law. Our Corporate Counsel Externship Program is an innovative academic program that integrates a corporate counsel class with externships in corporate legal departments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Click for photos of our 2022 Corporate Counsel Externs.
In-house Counsel Fellowship Program
Our new graduates represent the best in academic excellence, leadership, and professional presence. SMU Dedman Law’s In-House Counsel Fellowship Program provides them with the opportunity to gain additional business training and experience in corporations through a one-year, post-graduate fellowship.
Business Law Concentration
JD students can qualify for a Concentration in Business Law by completing at least 25 credits in key business law topics, writing an academic paper on a business law topic, and completing a business law work experience. Students are expected to take these courses over the duration of their last two years.