Social Enterprise, Law & Legal Education

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between law and social enterprise. More specifically, it explores ways in which the law and the law school can serve to refine and promote the development of social enterprise. The article begins by canvassing the existing conceptions of social enterprise to provide a basis for understanding and to identify points of access for legal intervention. At the end of this analysis, we arrive at a working definition of social enterprise: A legal entity engaged in socially responsible economic activity for the purpose of generating revenue that is to be used to advance a social mission. Building on the notion that a legal structure is integral to the concept, the article proceeds to explore the ways that the law may change to further promote social enterprise. Finally, the article shifts to examine the impact legal education and law schools have as catalysts for thought leadership and capacity-building for social enterprise.