BUSINESS LAW PROGRAM NEWS & UPDATES

Business Law Program Welcomes Newest Faculty Member, Orli Oren-Kolbinger

Oregon Law welcomes Professor Orli Oren-Kolbinger as the newest member of our nationally-recognized business law faculty. Orli’s journey to academia has been shaped by a deep commitment to teaching and a profound interest in the intersection of tax law, economics, human behavior, and access to justice.

The oldest of three children, Orli was born in Tel Aviv to a nurse and a chemist and raised in various parts of Israel. From an early age, Orli felt drawn to teaching. Even as a child, she had a natural talent for explaining complex concepts in simple terms, often tutoring peers and assisting her teachers in the classroom. “There’s something beautiful in teaching,” she said. “You know you can leave a mark.”

This passion for education, combined with an early exposure to law through a pre-law program for teens, set the stage for her future career. Her early aspirations to become a judge eventually evolved into a commitment to academia, where she could blend her love of teaching with her growing interest in the law.

Orli’s academic journey began at the University of Haifa, where she double majored in law and economics. Her passion for economics initially arose out of a love of math but was later fueled by the effort to understand human action that underpins economic theory. She came to understand that economic research makes links between data and human behavior, creating an opening to critically examine ourselves and spark social change. “A researcher’s work is empirical data that comes into being. You cannot strip the human connection away from the process,” Orli noted.

Her legal interests took a significant turn when she enrolled in an introductory tax law course. She was immediately enamored with tax, a field that satisfied her intellectual curiosity and love of logic but also allowed her to explore the intricate ways in which legal frameworks impact individuals and society.

After completing her LLB and BA, Orli pursued her PhD in Law at Bar-Ilan University, where she delved into the complexities of judicial decision-making in tax law. Intrigued by human behavior from an economic and an empirical point of view, she explored how judges’ subjectivities, backgrounds, personalities, and exposure to external events influence their decisions and legal outcomes. She worked with leading professors in both law and economics to bridge disciplinary intellectual frameworks and apply empirical methodologies to her research.

Orli recalled, “I learned how to employ research methodologies to answer questions about the world. It all starts with data. But I was always most interested in the human behavior and motivations involved, how people respond to the rules and the information all around them.”

Eventually, a Fulbright Scholarship brought Orli to the United States, where she joined the University of Michigan Law School as a Michigan Grotius research scholar. She began studying the US tax system and connecting with US economists and tax scholars. Here, she found a scholarly community that both challenged and embraced her, further solidifying her commitment to academic life.

After her time at Michigan, she secured a visiting professor position at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, where she taught tax and tax policy and began researching how US tax law impacts different societal groups.

She then moved back to Israel and joined Sapir Academic College School of Law as an Assistant Professor, where she taught tax courses, judicial decision-making, and criminal procedure and researched the effect of macroeconomic fluctuations on judicial decision-making.

Orli’s research is driven by a desire to use the tax system as a tool for social good. Her current work focuses on how tax policies can help alleviate poverty and address issues of access to economic justice. She is particularly interested in the barriers that prevent eligible individuals from accessing the tax benefits they are entitled to and the structures that create these barriers.

“I want to ask, does a person have what they need to maximize their experiences in society? What are the social and legal barriers they face? People made these barriers,” Orli noted, “so I’m interested in knowing: Who decided? Who designed it, how did they do it, and why?”

Her recent research also examines the gendered dimensions of tax law, including the phenomenon of women being left with tax debt when their husbands disappear. She is investigating whether the leniency shown by judges in these cases is a recognition of fundamental errors in US tax code or a form of benevolent sexism.

In addition to being a prolific researcher, Orli is a passionate advocate for her students, encouraging them to question assumptions and approach the law with empathy and a commitment to justice.

“This is my vision for my students: You are the social agents. I'm teaching you so that you can go change the world for the better. That's the mark I want to leave. I'm not telling students what to think, I'm teaching them how to ask questions, interrogate priors, and back up their ideas with data and authority,” Orli reflected. “I'm happy when students leave with question marks when they sometimes look to us for periods or exclamation points.”

At Oregon Law, Orli teaches Federal Income Tax I (individual taxation), Federal Income Tax II (business taxation), and Tax Policy. When Orli arrived in Eugene to interview for the position, she knew immediately that Oregon Law was the place for her. During the interview process, she had the opportunity to meet with Oregon Law students, and she was moved by their willingness to share their experiences with her. She hopes this kind of reciprocal openness is something that she brings to every encounter. “I start with, this interaction is a relationship. I want to remove my preconceptions and be open to learning and sharing with others. This creates a comfortable environment where mentee and mentor are learning from each other. I'm here to guide students on their journey, but ultimately their journey will be their own.”

Outside the classroom, Orli ( “my light” in Hebrew) is a dedicated mother of three, and she and her husband are avid cooks, having honed their skills when their youngest child developed food allergies. She also enjoys hiking, reading, watching comedies and crime dramas, and sports, and has a particular fondness for soccer—a sport she took up as a child to prove a point. She recalled, “At 5 or 6 years old, some boys said that I couldn't play with them. I said, if I play the goalie and stop all your goals, I'm in.” She ended up playing on that team for six years, remarking, “If someone closes a door, I'll find a window.”

Orli Oren-Kolbinger brings to Oregon Law a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to justice, and an infectious passion for teaching. The law school is fortunate to have her as part of its community, where her contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader legal field.

Oregon's Business Law Program earns "A" grade

Oregon Law's Business Law Program earned an "A" grade by preLaw Magazine, a publication of The National Jurist, in their 2024-25 list of the top schools for business.

The honor recognizes Oregon Law as a first-rate school for business law and is a testament to the Business Law Program's commitment to excellence and innovation in legal education. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, the breadth and depth of our business law curriculum, our exceptional experiential opportunities, and the remarkable career success of our graduates.

Oregon Law Student Wins National Transactional Law Competition

3L Clark Barlowe won The Closer 2024, a pre-eminent transactional law competition renowned for its innovative and rigorous approach to testing the transactional lawyering skills of participants.

The Closer 2024 was a multi-day event hosted by Baylor Law that took place January 11-14, 2024 in Waco, TX. Fourteen premier transactional law programs from around the nation were invited to select one talented law student to represent their school in the competition. Two top finalists, each representing their hypothetical client on one side of the transaction, would receive a $5,000 prize.

Barlowe was selected to represent Oregon Law. After four challenging preliminary negotiation rounds, and an intense final round, Barlowe emerged as the winner for Neighborly, Inc., the client Barlowe represented during the competition.

The Closer is unique among transactional law competitions. Individual student-participants, working with their coach, are thrust into a high-pressure scenario where they have just 24 hours to analyze a complex business transaction, review client files, conduct research, and negotiate a deal for their client. The format simulates real-world demands facing transactional lawyers and the dynamic, rapidly evolving nature of negotiation and deal-making.

Professor Kristie Gibson, who served as Barlowe’s coach, said of the event,

“The Closer is a dynamic competition that provides a real world, practice-focused transactional law experience for student participants. Students work to research, draft, and negotiate provisions of an agreement, favorable to their client, under considerable time pressure. I was impressed by Clark’s ability to issue spot, synthesize research and client information, analyze the deal documents, develop creative solutions, and negotiate efficiently and effectively for his client.”

During this year’s The Closer competition, participants navigated a scenario centered around a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in Waco, Texas in April 2024. The challenge was to negotiate a fictional conference services and event agreement on behalf of either Hotel 1928, a popular venue in Waco, or Neighborly, Inc., the world’s largest home services franchisor, that plans to host a conference at Hotel 1928 during the eclipse.

The fourteen participants’ negotiation skills were put to the test in four, forty-minute preliminary rounds judged by experienced transactional lawyers. Competitors had to address various aspects of the services and event agreement, including the use of the hotel and its restaurants, employment of entertainers, insurance for outdoor liquor sales, use of trademarks, and advertising. Competitors were evaluated on their presence and professionalism, knowledge of legal and financial issues, and their ability to find creative solutions to reach an agreement that aligned with their client's goals.

Barlowe excelled throughout the preliminary rounds, earning a spot in the final round, where the organizers presented a new challenge that increased the negotiation’s complexity and tested the competitors' adaptability and problem-solving skills. The finalists were tasked with addressing several new considerations, such as obtaining city permits for road closures, securing police details, and arranging for EMT services.

As several judges commented that the competitors were as good as associates they had in their firms, the competition serves as a powerful testament to the value of practical transactional law training in shaping skilled lawyers capable of navigating real-world challenges with precision and efficiency.

Barlowe praised The Closer for its innovative and demanding format, emphasizing its value in honing practical skills for legal practice:

“It was a privilege to represent Oregon Law at Baylor Law's The Closer competition. My coach, Professor Kristie Gibson, was supportive throughout the process and was instrumental in my ultimate success. I especially enjoyed the four preliminary rounds of negotiations against different competitors. I feel that this in-person experience and the subsequent feedback from the judges will be extremely helpful in my career moving forward."

Barlowe’s victory in The Closer underscores the Business Law Program's commitment to preparing law students for the complexities of legal practice.

Lindsay Free

Lindsay Free, JD ’24 is a fifth-generation rural Oregonian and a first-generation college graduate from Mapleton, Oregon. Prior to attending law school, she worked in the Oregon Legislature and served as a policy analyst in both state and municipal government for several years. She also spent a year teaching English in rural Spain.

At Oregon Law, Lindsay was a Public Law and Policy Fellow during her 1L and 2L years. She also served as Wayne Morse Legal Fellow in Senator Ron Wyden’s DC office. She was a member of Oregon Law’s Moot Court arbitration team and served as VP for the Oregon Law Federalist Society. She recently joined K&L Gates’ Seattle office, where she previously worked as a summer associate.

Lindsay’s fellowship involved significant research on the internal affairs doctrine and corporate law. Working closely with Professor Manesh, Lindsay analyzed the impact of notable cases such as Eccles v. Shamrock Capital Advisors LLC and explored the phenomenon of companies moving their incorporation from Delaware to Nevada, dubbed 'Dexit.' Lindsay's fellowship work provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of corporate governance and fiduciary duties.

"The fellowship was an amazing opportunity to work on real-world research projects and hone my skills as I prepared to start my career. I am very grateful to have worked with Professor Manesh and look forward to applying what I've learned in my practice." – Lindsay Free

Will LeRoux

Will LeRoux is originally from Portland, Oregon and graduated from Oregon Law this May. Prior to law school, he earned a BBA with a focus on finance and economics from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in business from Universidad Loyola Andalucia.

During law school, Will primarily studied business law, taking advantage of Oregon Law’s depth of expertise in this area. During his 1L summer, he interned for Oregon Tax Court. In his second year of law school, he researched bankruptcy issues for Professor Andrea Coles-Bjerre. After taking the bar, he will be clerking for the Honorable Denise E. Barnett in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

As a 2023-24 Lew and Ann Williams Business Law fellow, Will conducted bankruptcy research with Professor Coles-Bjerre in the fall. In the spring semester, his fellowship centered on secured transactions under Professor Carl Bjerre's mentorship. Will contributed to the rewriting of a secured transactions casebook by conducting in-depth research on securitization, leveraged leases, and floorplan agreements. His exploration of bailments and criminal statutes pertaining to defrauding creditors further enhanced his understanding of complex commercial transactions.

"The fellowship allowed me to acquire knowledge in complex transactions that few law students ever touch before practicing. I have no doubt that this experience will set me apart from my peers and has already helped me land my first job out of law school." – Will LeRoux

Aaron Brian, JD '98

Aaron Brian, JD '98 is a Law Duck who is making a splash as a trial attorney in Los Angeles. His professional journey has spanned coast-to-coast, from small practices to large firms, and reflects Oregon Law's commitment to equipping students with the comprehensive conceptual frameworks necessary to succeed and lead in any professional setting.

Aaron's path to the law began in Medford, Oregon, where he grew up under the influence of his father, a local lawyer. Despite initially harboring dreams of becoming an archaeologist or a medical doctor, by the time he entered college, Aaron was mostly interested in intellectual conversations and exploring philosophical theories. This curiosity led him to a degree in philosophy from Oregon State University before ultimately deciding to pursue a law degree at Oregon Law.

During law school, Aaron immersed himself in a variety of subjects, gaining a broad and comprehensive understanding of the law. "I took classes in tax, criminal law, and even did a study abroad in Egypt," he recalls. "One of my favorite courses was Criminal Adjudication with Margie Paris, where we discussed the bigger questions of law and its role in society."

Aaron also participated in an externship with the Portland Trail Blazers' legal team, splitting his time between their in-house counsel and an external law firm handling their litigation. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into both sides of the legal process. Additionally, he clerked for Judge Lyle Velure in Eugene, gaining firsthand experience in trial practice and settlement conferences. "Working with Judge Velure allowed me to see the literal practice of law and the day-to-day operations of a courtroom," Aaron notes.

Aaron's early professional years were a blend of diverse experiences that shaped his legal acumen. After law school, he worked for a small litigation shop in Portland and was thrust into the courtroom just days after being sworn in."I got to be in arbitrations running cases on my own, which was both exciting and excellent training," Aaron notes.

Aaron's career then took him to San Francisco and New York City, where he worked with large firms and dealt with high-stakes litigation. However, the demanding nature of big city law practice prompted him to seek a more balanced lifestyle, leading him back to Oregon and eventually to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, Aaron joined Nixon Peabody LLP, where he has been a key player in the firm’s litigation team. Among his most notable achievements are prevailing in a bet-the-company federal court jury trial for a healthcare company, investigating the possible forgery of a century-old sculpture, working with an LA-based podcast company to expand and protect its various intellectual properties, and trying two of the very few art restitution cases that have proceeded to a trial, including one that made its way to the US Supreme Court and involved numerous rounds of appellate court briefing.

In recent years, Aaron has dedicated much of his practice to the art world, representing collectors, artists, galleries, and institutions in various legal matters. Much of his current work revolves around art restitution, in which he gets to work closely with provenance experts, art history experts, and examine original source documents from foreign archives to better understand the historical path of a particular artwork. This niche yet profoundly impactful area of law allows Aaron to merge his legal expertise with his early passion for history and archaeology.

When asked about what he finds most rewarding in his legal practice, Aaron reflects on the crucial role of lawyers and courts in society.

"Having the honor to stand up and be their lawyer in a court of law is rewarding on an individual basis," he says. "But when you see the process work—and it doesn't always work, there are often problems with our system—but when it works and you get to be part of that, I think that's probably the most rewarding part."

One of the values Aaron attributes to his upbringing and education in Oregon is the importance of maintaining professional integrity. "Growing up in Medford and starting my career in Oregon instilled in me an old-fashioned professional perspective on being a lawyer. It's about doing your job to the best of your ability and maintaining respect within the legal community," Aaron emphasizes.

Despite a demanding career, Aaron values spending quality time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities. Living near Griffith Park in Los Angeles, he enjoys hiking and running, and frequently travels with his family. This summer, he and his family will be going on a trip to England to see Taylor Swift, a much-anticipated event for his 8-year-old daughter.

Aaron Brian’s professional journey illustrates the transformative power of an Oregon Law education. His story is one of continuous learning, career excellence, and a commitment to professionalism. Whether navigating the complexities of art law or winning federal jury trials, Aaron remains a proud ambassador of our institution, embodying the qualities of a forward-thinking, dedicated, and impactful business law professional.

Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute CElebrates 10 Years

This summer, Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute (SSLI) marked its 10th season with new leadership and exciting programmatic innovations.

Oregon Law announced Professor Ryan Gauthier as the Institute’s new director. A seasoned expert in sports law, Professor Gauthier brings a wealth of experience, a global sports law network, and an exciting, fresh perspective to the Institute.

We also expanded our SSLI programming to engage students no matter where they are in their sports law journey. In addition to the Professional Sports Law course we have offered since the Institute's inception, we are now offering a second course, called Pathway to Practice.

The Pathway to Practice course goes beyond theory, focusing on hands-on training in negotiation, contract drafting, and advocacy while developing students’ professional identity and network. From problem-solving sessions to guest lectures, stadium tours, and a networking excursion to Portland, this new course offers an exciting blend of practical skills and real-world insights that will help students gain the expertise, connections, and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic world of sports law. Few law schools offer this kind of practical, hands-on training and professional development in their sports law courses.

This summer, participants had the opportunity to live and learn on-campus during the Olympic Track & Field Trials, the perfect setting for connecting classroom learning to real-world sports law practice in context.

Another exciting development this year is a partnership between SSLI and the Sports Lawyer Association, who developed a series of co-branded sports lawyer panel CLEs featuring some of the nation's most prominent sports law practitioners. SSLI students attended the CLE presentations for free and, afterwards, engaged in a special Q&A with the panelists, creating additional opportunities for career exploration, networking, and professional identity formation.

Students in the Pathway to Practice course paid a visit to Nike headquarters in Beaverton, where they learned firsthand from practitioners and industry experts about the many facets of working for a major sports company. Highlights included a walking-tour of the Nike campus and a Q&A and networking session with key members of the Nike Office of General Counsel.

SSLI celebrated a standout year in 2024 and continues to elevate its nationally-renowned programming. To discuss how you can be involved in Oregon Summer Sports Law Institute, contact Institute Director Ryan Gauthier.