ITC Clients
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"Supporting microfinance institutions in poor countries requires special skills and knowledge. The traditional rules of international business were written for banks and other big players, and not for investments in microfinance. The next generation of lawyers should use the law to promote the global effort to reduce poverty. We are delighted that the University of Michigan has taken on this challenge." Robert Bragar, the former General Counsel, Oikocredit |
| "This new clinic is a welcome addition that will bring high quality legal expertise to bear on the legal needs of microfinance organizations. CGAP looks forward to partnering with the Clinic in the years ahead." Elizabeth L. Littlefield, CEO of the World Bank's CGAP, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor. |
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"This clinic is a terrific opportunity for students to have a 'hands on experience' on cross-border lending and equity transactions involving microfinance institutions. This is also a fabulous opportunity for IFC to contribute to the the training of a new generation of lawyers who will have an interest in the microfinance world. IFC is delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this exciting journey." Caroline Kahn, Manager, Legal Department, International Finance Corporation (IFC). |
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“We are very grateful for what you are achieving in these projects, on behalf of the literally thousands of microfinance sector participants who want the information you are compiling; now they won't have to do the same time-consuming work. Your contribution to IAMFI is at the heart of our mission - to compile and organize fragmented, incomplete, non-standardized information from multiple sources - with the goals of 1) helping investors and others understand the microfinance landscape better and 2) lowering the hurdles to investment in the sector, in benefit of the 1.5 billion unbanked poor who still need access to financial services.” Joan Trant, Executive Director, International Association of Microfinance Investors (IAMFI). |
| "The international transactions clinic did a superb job reviewing our local transaction documents, identifying risks, and offering solutions. The support has allowed Grameen Foundation to be more effective in deploying capital for microfinance institutions around the world. It's exciting to see a cadre of talented young lawyers engaging in the microfinance space." Camilla Nestor, Vice President, Microfinance, Grameen Foundation. |
The ITC at times collaborates with law firms to support several of its clients. In each case, the law firm is offering its services to the ITC and clients of the ITC on a pro bono basis. Collaborating law firms include: Bingham McCutchen LLP (www.bingham.com) and Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (www.paulhastings.com).
Here is what one student says about an ITC/law firm collaboration:
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"Carl [of Bingham McCutchen] has been nothing but generous with his time in helping us understand the transactions we’re working on, . . . Other lawyers might have become impatient with my rather basic questions, but Carl took every opportunity to ensure that we fully understood the reasoning behind every contractual clause, the tactics we were pursuing, and the suggestions we were making to our client. That’s why the skills students hone during microfinance transactions will also prepare them for transactions that are more macro than micro, . . . My understanding of the transaction we were working on – and international transactional work in general – increased immensely," Domanskis said. "And Carl's involvement with students wasn’t restricted to the transaction; he genuinely took an interest in us as people and offered himself as a resource as we graduate and enter the real world." Maria Domanskis, 3L, University of Michigan |