Ryan McNeice Law & Entrepreneurship CLE: Supporting Innovation in the Inland Northwest

About This Event

Join us on October 18, 2024, for a 2.0 credit CLE on “Supporting Innovation in the Inland Northwest.” This program will be held at Gonzaga University School of Law and will provide an engaging and insightful program aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and legal professionals alike. Live participants are invited to join us for an included reception at 3:00pm hosted by Gonzaga School of Law and the Center of Law, Ethics & Commerce (CLEC).

This seminar is part of the Ryan McNeice Law & Entrepreneurship Project which complements the work of CLEC at Gonzaga Law School. This project adds to the center’s mission by promoting; the study of business, innovation, and technology with ethical considerations that further the common good. Some of the profits from this event will be donated to the Ryan McNeice ('04 MBA, '05 JD) Law & Entrepreneurship Project.

2.0 credits have been approved with the WSBA. 1.25 Law and Legal and .75 other credits will be offered with this program. 

Agenda & Speakers:

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.  Welcome by Dean Jacob H. Rooksby and introduction to keynote speaker Tom Simpson. Tom serves as President of the Spokane Angel Alliance and Kick-Start, and CEO of Ignite Northwest. He will discuss how entrepreneurs can continue to thrive through collaboration between startups and investors, focusing on how organizations like Ignite Northwest and Spokane Angel Alliance bridge capital and innovation. Additionally, he will emphasize the critical role of legal counsel in guiding startups through early-stage challenges, including regulatory compliance, investment negotiations, and risk management, ensuring a supportive legal and business environment for sustainable growth.

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion on Assisting New Businesses: Three presenters will discuss important topics for business starts ups. Professor Christopher Mercado, attorney and Director of the Gonzaga Law’s Business Innovation Clinic will discuss startup fundamentals, including the implications of choosing the right business structure, essential contracts and agreements that can protect your business, and overcoming challenges in funding strategies, scaling and growth. Chris Crago, Professor & Director of Low Income Taxpayer Clinic will provide a detailed discussion of the most common tax errors for small business owners, including underpayment of estimated taxes, employment tax deposits, late filing, and separation of business and personal expenses. Johanna Tomlinson, a practicing IP attorney, will discuss the importance of protecting intellectual property for startups. Drawing from her experience, Johanna will provide valuable guidance on how entrepreneurs can safeguard their innovations and avoid costly legal challenges. With questions and answers.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.  (For Live Attendees) Gonzaga University School of Law’s and the Center of Law, Ethics & Commerce Reception