BLIP Clinic
Legal representation at the forefront of tech and innovation.
The Brooklyn Law Incubator & Policy ("BLIP") Clinic functions as a modern, technology-oriented law firm. Since its inception in 2008, BLIP is training a new generation of lawyers who are well-versed across the spectrum of skills needed to represent emerging tech, Internet, communications, and new media companies. The BLIP experience is well-rounded -- in addition to learning the intricacies of representing start-ups, BLIP clinicians are at the forefront of tech-related policy issues and advocate on behalf of causes and businesses in various legislative, regulatory, and judicial arenas.
About Us
Students accepted into the BLIP Clinic come from diverse backgrounds and range from former engineers to musicians. Most have significant work and internship experience in tech, media, or government. All share a passion for law and policy in an Internet-enabled, digital world. BLIP alumni can be found in "big law" firms, boutique firms, non-profit organizations, government agencies, as in-house counsel, and as entrepreneurs in their own right.
The clinic seeks out students with a demonstrated passion and commitment to become technology-oriented attorneys. Corporations is an official course prerequisite for taking BLIP, except for students interested in working with the patent team. For students interested in working with the patent team, a course in patent law is required. Additionally, students will be well served if they have some background, either through coursework or practical experience, in some of the following areas: Telecommunications, Internet, Copyright, Patent, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Media Law, Antitrust, Non-Profit and Administrative law.
Our Faculty
Professor Jonathan Askin
Adjunct Professor Lynda M. Braun
Resources
Our Clients
To date, BLIP has helped more than 500 clients presenting diverse legal, business, and policy challenges. BLIP accepts clients who require creative legal representation and arguably advance the Internet or digital economy, and for whom expensive legal services would act as a barrier to entry in their respective industries. BLIP has helped clients with incorporation, intellectual property protection, structuring licensing agreements, web documentation, and has also provided litigation support and general legal advice.
Clients are accepted based on the extent to which they provide a good platform for legal training. The clinic endeavors not to presuppose that one client or policy position is more worthy of representation than another client or policy. Nonetheless, BLIP prefers clients who arguably advance the Internet, the digital economy, or intellectual property laws. BLIP only takes on clients who otherwise could not afford private counsel and whose ideas would unlikely evolve into sustainable businesses without its legal support.
When possible, BLIP tries to take on BLS law students pursuing business ventures of their own. This has proven to be very worthwhile to both the BLIP students and their client-classmates. BLIP has represented several graduating BLS students and post-graduate students who have decided to take their legal training and create entrepreneurial ventures.
Request BLIP Services
If you would like to inquire about BLIP's services for yourself or your venture, please email blip@brooklaw.edu or fill out our client intake form.