Professor Aliza B. Kaplan is a renowned expert in the field of law, with a specific focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. As the founding director of the Small Business Legal Clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School, Professor Kaplan has dedicated her career to providing practical legal education and supporting the development of small businesses and startups. With a deep understanding of the complexities of business law, Professor Kaplan has become a leading voice in the field, known for her expertise in contract law, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.
Academic Background and Career
Professor Kaplan’s academic background is rooted in the study of law, with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. After completing her J.D., Professor Kaplan went on to clerk for the Honorable Justice Robert Y. Pratt of the Oregon Supreme Court. This experience provided her with a unique understanding of the judicial system and the importance of effective legal representation. Professor Kaplan’s career has been marked by a commitment to public service and a passion for education, as evidenced by her work as a clinical law professor and her involvement in various community organizations.
Teaching and Research Interests
Professor Kaplan’s teaching and research interests are focused on the intersection of law and business, with a specific emphasis on small business development and entrepreneurship. Her research explores the legal challenges faced by small businesses and the ways in which law schools can better support the development of entrepreneurial lawyers. Professor Kaplan is also interested in the impact of technology on the practice of law and the ways in which innovation can be used to improve access to justice. Her courses, such as Business Law and Entrepreneurship Law, provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles that govern business transactions and the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.
| Course Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Law | Explores the legal principles governing business transactions, including contract law, tort law, and intellectual property law |
| Entrepreneurship Law | Covers the legal issues faced by entrepreneurs, including business formation, financing, and intellectual property protection |
Community Involvement and Service
Professor Kaplan is deeply committed to public service and has been involved in various community organizations throughout her career. She has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Portland Small Business Development Center and the Oregon Law Foundation. Professor Kaplan has also been recognized for her pro bono work, including her efforts to provide free legal services to low-income entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her commitment to community service has had a lasting impact on the local business community and has inspired a new generation of law students to pursue careers in public interest law.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Kaplan has received numerous awards and honors for her work in the field of law, including the Oregon Law Foundation’s Public Service Award and the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award. These awards recognize her dedication to public service and her commitment to providing access to justice for underserved communities. Professor Kaplan’s work has also been recognized by the media, including feature articles in the Portland Business Journal and the Oregonian.
What is the focus of Professor Kaplan’s research?
+Professor Kaplan’s research focuses on the intersection of law and business, with a specific emphasis on small business development and entrepreneurship. Her research explores the legal challenges faced by small businesses and the ways in which law schools can better support the development of entrepreneurial lawyers.
What courses does Professor Kaplan teach?
+Professor Kaplan teaches a variety of courses, including Business Law and Entrepreneurship Law. These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles that govern business transactions and the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.
