Business Law Concentration Alumni Profile: Ben Schach

Ben Schach graduated from the Allard School of Law with the Business Law Concentration in 2015. He is also the co-founder of Glory Juice Co., a Vancouver-based company specializing in bottled organic cold-pressed juice, nut beverages, raw shakes, and superfood bowls.

Why did you decide to pursue the Business Law Concentration?
I actually started my business in my first year of law school, which is probably a reason why I gravitated so strongly towards business law. I also wanted to take the Business Law Capstone course. It seemed like a great way to get out of the classroom and learn from a number of lawyers and other practitioners from the business world. Additionally, I gravitated towards a lot of the required courses and thought it made sense to pursue the Concentration as I was clearly focused on this area of law.

What was your experience in the Business Law Capstone like?
The Capstone was really great. Working in a small team, outside of the classroom on a mock transaction with real individuals from mining companies was a definite highlight. Our instructor, Benjamin Lee, did a great job of bringing in relevant speakers on a wide range of issues that you would expect to see in the real world. Since I did not work at a firm over the summer, this was my first taste of putting textbook learning into a real world environment.

What are some highlights of the Business Law Concentration for you?
Generally I found the courses with adjunct professors to be a real pleasure. Their perspective on how the law works in the real world was always a refreshing break from the dense reading we all do. While the majority of my courses were in the area of business law, it was nice to take courses outside of this area including a workshop on advocacy. That was my one and only exposure to work in the courts and it was fascinating.

How do you think the program helps prepare students to work in business law?
I found my experience in the business world actually helped me a great deal with understanding the legal concepts I was learning in the classroom. Understanding how business law impacts the day-to-day of a business is critical to not only your understanding of it but it also goes a long way in making your clients happy. Having worked with a number of lawyers on my own business, those that grasp the business side of things (along with having a sharp legal mind) are a real pleasure to work with and the ones I tend to work with again and again.

Published Winter 2016