The Business Law Institute was established with a substantial gift from Peter Cancro to honor one of his early mentors. The institute’s goal is to become a national and global leader in the study, research, and practice of business law and create the next generation of leaders in this field.
T he inaugural class of Coach Rod Smith Business Law Institute Fellows began in the Spring of 2022, and features guest lecturers from among scholars and business leaders. Topics included fundamentals and cutting-edge issues in business law. The Fellows also participate in an internship with an in-house department to see first-hand how the disciplines of business and law intersect.
“We are honored to continue supporting the growth and impact of this great law school with the creation of the Coach Rod Smith Business Law Institute. The opportunity to bring together business leaders, scholars, lawyers, and students to make a difference in the study of business law will be transformative for Ave Maria School of Law. It is a privilege to be a part of providing worthy students with scholarships to become great business lawyers.” – Mr. Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Founder and C.E.O.
The institute provides opportunities for students to learn about the connection of the legal and business worlds, confronting emerging issues. The speakers in the class include in-house counsel from organizations such as Bank of China, Jersey Mike’s, Arthrex,
and International Paper speaking on topics from intellectual property concerns to labor relations and cross-border transactions.
The second semester of the program is an externship with placement in leading American corporations such as Chico’s, Herc Rentals, Arthrex, ICBC Standard Bank, and Cleveland Construction.
Students who are selected for this competitive program participate in skills-based courses with a focus on drafting and negotiating agreements, structuring transactions, and counseling clients. At the completion of the program, students receive a certificate recognizing them as an Ave Maria School of Law Institute for Business Law Scholar.
With this program Ave Maria Law solidifies its position in forming the next generation of ethical and moral leaders in business who will change the world. Service to the community is an integral part of the Business Law Institute and allows students to assist in Mr. Cancro’s corporate and personal goal of giving unconditionally as well as the law school’s mission of educating lawyers who view the practice of law as a vocation.
For more information on the Business Law Institute or if your company is interested in hosting an extern from the Business Law Institute please contact Jill Backer.
The 2025-2026 Business Law Institute members Front (l-r) Anthony Callello, Beth Burger, Erlinda Loyola-Cervantes, Annierys Dominguez Perez, Jane Lipnick, Bruce Connolly, Sawyer Paugh Megan Howard, Sierra Vicente, Annabelle Bruno, Quinten Zak, Caroline Funk. Rear (l-r) John Bozue, Savannah Woodland, Alex Weesner, Raymond Salazar, John , Ben Dellacono, John Wright Dean John Czarnetzky, Garret Knasel, Vince Martino, Robert Eichelberger, Miller Whitten, Cecilia Berutti, Jessie Puk are pictured at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida.
Dean John Czarnetzky with 2022 Business Law Fellows.
Dean John Czarnetzky (row 2 center) and Director of the Coach Rod Smith Business Law Institute, Professor Bruce Connoly (center), with 2024 Business Law Fellows.
Dean John Czarnetzky (left) and Director of the Coach Rod Smith Business Law Institute, Professor Bruce Connoly (center), with 2023 Business Law Fellows.
Dean John Czarnetzky (center)and Director of the Coach Rod Smith Business Law Institute, Professor Bruce Connoly (center left) are pictured with the 2025 Business Law Fellows at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
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