As part of this semester’s new Entrepreneurial Mindset Series, a collaboration between the Law and Entrepreneurship Program and the Office of Career and Professional Development, the Columbus School of Law recently hosted an insightful discussion featuring alumnus Joseph Theis '20. Theis offered students a candid look into his professional journey as the founder and managing partner of TheisChayse LLP, a firm specializing in copyright, trademark, and digital protection. During the lively session, he shared practical insights about his legal practice and fielded questions from eager law students about navigating the complex world of intellectual property. Following the main event, Theis stepped into the classroom to lead a discussion on copyright and trademark law for Professor Alexander Hoffarth's Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic (LEC), bringing real-world application directly to the curriculum.

Theis expressed a strong personal commitment to the program, noting that intellectual property is often an entrepreneur's most valuable asset. Having built his own firm alongside his partner Damian Chayse, Theis felt uniquely positioned to guide the next generation of legal minds. "When I learned from Dean Payne that Catholic Law would be offering a clinic specifically focused on Law and Entrepreneurship, I knew that I wanted to be involved," Theis explained. He emphasized that the clinic's growth is vital for equipping students with the necessary skills to counsel entrepreneurs across corporate, financial, and IP matters. His visit not only highlighted the practical challenges of starting a business but also reinforced the Columbus School of Law's reputation for producing capable, practice-ready graduates.

LEC equips students with practical skills by allowing them to work directly with startups and nonprofits, bridging classroom learning with real-world client experience. This hands-on approach, enhanced by guidance from faculty and accomplished alumni, prepares graduates to confidently address the complex legal needs of modern entrepreneurs.