Nike, Intel Discuss Sustainability, Dealmaking with Law Students
The Center for Business Law and Innovation (CBLI) works with businesses to provide real-world practice insights and connections.
At a recent Lewis & Clark business law event, several high-ranking Nike executives sat with law students to discuss sustainability and career pathways, kicking off what will be an annual event, the Nike Speaker Series.
“We were thrust directly onto the front lines of the corporate-ESG movement,” says law student Dominik MacKinnon ’23 of the discussion. We heard from the lawyers who work closely with operators to effectuate bold ideas in a way that minimizes legal risk. For a global company like Nike, subject to legal jurisdictions that touch almost every continent, it’s no small feat. To hear from, and later share a few drinks with, the everyday people behind the Swoosh was informative and fun.”
At another event, business law students learned about deal making from Intel’s Associate General Counsel in a workshop entitled “Accelerating the Deal.”
Intel’s executives outlined an acquisition and licensing opportunity that was adapted from several actual corporate transactions. They familiarized students with concepts such as “value drivers” and “offer sheets” while involving them in group work aimed at shaping various deals, from cooperative ventures to an outright purchase.
The students—with interests in business, entertainment and media, and cannabis law—were enthusiastic about participating in a workshop that closely simulated the work of practicing corporate counsel.
Professor Samir Parikh, who leads CBLI, explains that these opportunities are incredibly valuable. “The law school is located in one of the country’s most vibrant business and legal communities. These events allow Lewis & Clark law students to connect with that community and engage in the type of experiential learning unavailable at most law schools.”
