Intellectual Property
A helpful resource
The Grass Spot’s Hannah and Zach Norris (right and left, respectively, in the above photo) have made a mark in the music industry with their vibrant, whimsical designs and full-scope media services. But as artists and small business owners, they lacked the budget for legal services to protect their hard work.
Thanks to their partnership with Richmond Law’s Intellectual Property and Transactional Law Clinic, the duo now has the resources they need to succeed.
One of the law school’s four in-house clinics, the IPT Clinic collaborates with local entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and independent businesses to provide free advice and assistance with transactional matters such as establishing a business, trademark and copyright registration, and drafting and reviewing contracts.
“The clients we target are ones who could not otherwise afford legal services,” said Ashley Dobbs, L’05, clinic director since 2015. “We help them understand what they can and cannot do, how to protect their brand identity, and how best to monetize it.”
The IPT Clinic is a teaching law firm where student attorneys work directly with clients under Dobbs’ supervision, allowing them to develop real-world skills and hands-on experience that build upon and reinforce their coursework.
Emma Silverman, L’25 (above middle), joined the clinic during her second year of law school and participated for three consecutive semesters. “The unique thing about the clinic is that you are in charge of your own project and have face-to-face time with clients right off the bat,” she said. “At a private firm, you may never get to meet the clients. It really pushed me to engage more with my communication and critical thinking skills.”
Upper-level student attorneys are encouraged to bring on a client of their choice. In 2024, Silverman reached out to the Norrises — Zach is Silverman’s cousin — about working with The Grass Spot.
“We were excited when Emma approached us — not only because she’s brilliant, but she knows our business,” Hannah said. “I’m an artist and designer, so legal work doesn’t come naturally to me. Having Emma and her team assist us has been very helpful.”
“Working with the IPT Clinic has eased our worries about any potential liabilities.”
Zach said Silverman’s counsel has strengthened his business’ legal footing.
“I had been drafting our contracts and partnership agreements on my own because we couldn’t afford legal oversight,” Zach said. “Working with the IPT Clinic has eased our worries about any potential liabilities.”
Silverman is now working in the business sector for Hirschler but hopes to continue volunteering with the clinic and providing legal support to The Grass Spot as needed.
“I hope to return to the clinic using pro bono hours from my firm to engage with students and show them how they can use their knowledge to help the community,”
she said.