About
The Columbia Law and Entrepreneurship Society (CLES) aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders coming out of Columbia Law School. We believe that entrepreneurship exists in many forms, and is a valuable trait for success, whether it is in the legal world or in the business industry.
Our Mission
The Columbia Law and Entrepreneurship Society (CLES) at Columbia Law School serves as a key resource for students interested in startup and venture capital law. Our mission is to educate members on legal challenges specific to startups, facilitate networking with industry professionals, promote hands-on experience through practical workshops, encourage innovation by highlighting the role of law in supporting entrepreneurship, and support career development with resources and mentorship. By focusing on these areas, CLES builds a vibrant community of future lawyers equipped to excel in the dynamic field of emerging companies and venture capital.
CLES Executive Board 2024-2025
- President – Ghalia Aamer ([email protected])
- Vice President – Hala Riad
- Treasurer – Alamelu Venkatesh
- Co-Events Coordinators – Yunfei Bai and Yi (Nina) Zheng
- Membership Chairs – Amber Ward and Matthew Gross
- Pro Bono Chair – Arwa Palanpurwala
- Private Sector Chairs – Dylan Rowling and Krithika Vasireddy
- Communications Director – Ben Elbaum
Activities & Opportunities
CLES aims to create an environment for the cultivation of existing and new startup ideas. CLES hosts pizza dinners where members share their startup idea, join with other founders to pursue the ideas, and solve legal and business obstacles that these startups may face.
Law firms are interested in recruits who have demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurs are leaders, creative thinkers, and decision-makers—all skills highly coveted by top-tier organizations. CLES strives to connect our members with law firms who value their passion and drive. CLES events have included a chairman of a v40 law firm, senior partners, and former law firm associates who have since started ventures.
Many law school students envision one day entering into the business world. CLES will connect you with like-minded students. We also host events with business and entrepreneurship organizations that will provide unique networking opportunities. We aim to host events featuring investment banks, venture capital firms, hedge funds, and startups to enable our members to start expanding their network and exploring their options.
By Joining CLES, you will have the opportunity to attend these types of events and have a chance to benefit from the topics discussed and the extended networking opportunities.
CLES is led by an executive board with numerous years of business and startup experience. Below are just a few of the startups founded by our members:
In its inaugural event, CLES hosted seven-time grand slam champion and world #1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic. The event received world-wide attention in major publications, including Sports Illustrated.
CLES aims to continue hosting events with recognized industry leaders.
Join
The Columbia Law & Entrepreneurship Society (CLES) is looking for movers and shakers who are excited about taking charge of their law school experience.
Join as a dues-paying member
- Annual membership: $15 | lifetime membership: $30.
- Dues-paying members get exclusive access to off-campus events.
- Contact us at [email protected] to get started.