Penn State
Lewis Katz Building, University Park, PA
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  • Rural Economic Development Clinic

Rural Economic Development Student Perspectives

“As ‘senior partners,’ Professors Pifer and Erickson assign the cases, but the students contact the clients, set up meetings, and devise a plan of work. Most cases involve transactional legal work. I reviewed oil and gas leases for landowners in Pennsylvania, created contract templates for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, drafted a comment on behalf of a trade organization in opposition of a proposed rule change, created the terms and conditions for a non-profit business incubator, and revised a local stable's horse lease. It's a great opportunity to learn while doing.”

Andy Schwabenbauer, Class of 2011


"The Rural Economic Development Clinic allowed me to engage with our clients, improve my research and writing, and experience an exciting and growing area of law. From round table discussions to barnyard chats, I was able to interact with our clients regularly. My work required that I listen to the needs of the client and develop a strategy to fit those needs. My experience in the Clinic helped to hone my research and writing skills, in a practical and meaningful way. The projects I completed at the Clinic truly impacted the lives of our clients, whether it was a lease we drafted or a legal guide for their farming endeavors."

Christine Arena Nugent, Class of 2011
Israel, Israel & Purdy, LLP, Great Neck, New York