Richards Buell Sutton LLP Business Law Clinic provides law students with an educational opportunity to use their substantive understanding of business law in a clinical setting for the benefit of the public. This clinical setting offers students a unique opportunity to develop a number of practical and legal skills. In addition to providing a client facing experiential learning environment for students, the Clinic serves another important purpose by expanding access to legal services for a range of business and non-profit organizations.
The Clinic provides business-oriented legal advice to small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and individuals who cannot otherwise afford such legal advice. The purpose of the Clinic is to provide law students with an opportunity to use their substantive understanding of law in a clinical setting for the benefit of the public. This clinical setting allows students to gain practice skills along with a deeper understanding of professional ethics and professional responsibility.
In addition to the experiential learning component of the Clinic, students also participate in seminar discussions led by Clinic Adjunct Professors, Tyson Gratton, John Alsbergas and Becky Rock.
Meet the Clinic Adjuncts
Tyson Gratton
Tyson is an associate at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP and is located in their Vancouver office. He has a business law practice which is focused on advising video game, virtual and augmented reality, information technology, and ecommerce businesses. Tyson’s practice also includes assisting emerging and growth stage companies in a variety of industry sectors.
Tyson leverages his expertise to advise clients on managing corporate governance matters, negotiating contracts and licensing agreements, navigating growth financing, and facilitating corporate commercial matters. He also advises clients on the drafting of employment agreements, negotiating contractor relationships, and managing privacy issues.
In his practice, Tyson works alongside companies from across Canada, the United States, and abroad who are creators, developers, integrators, innovators, distributors, and service providers. As a former television executive, Tyson knows what it takes to bring a diverse team of creatives, trades, and professionals together to bring a product to market.
Tyson received both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.
Becky Rock
Becky Rock is a senior corporate/commercial associate who advises companies on a wide range of matters, with a particular expertise in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements. Her practice was founded working with mature clients and she enjoys bringing this experience to emerging companies to help them grow their businesses.
Becky acts for clients at all stages of the business life cycle, advising on investments, acquisitions, amalgamations, and reorganizations. She is skilled at policy drafting and works with clients to develop their contract precedents. Becky also has in-depth corporate governance knowledge as a result of having served as corporate secretary of a federal Crown corporation.
Becky has experience in a variety of industries, including technology, psychedelics, vaping, forestry, food, and beverage. She has helped clients successfully navigate complex advertising, privacy, and consumer protection issues in British Columbia. With a background in science, Becky brings a methodical, pragmatic approach to her practice.
John Alsbergas
John Alsbergas is a capital markets lawyer with a growing practice focused on mergers and acquisitions, public and private financings, initial public offerings, startups and emerging companies, as well as venture capital. He also provides ongoing advice to issuers regarding securities regulatory compliance, stock exchange matters, continuous disclosure obligations and general corporate law.
John advises growing and established companies in a variety of industry sectors, including technology, cannabis, life sciences and natural resources.
The Clinic is generously supported by:
