In April, Boise State’s College of Business and Economics hosted the 2025 Pacific Northwest Academy of Legal Studies of Business conference. This event gives business law professors at undergraduate business schools nationwide the opportunity to gather, network and share research. A total of 13 professors from seven schools attended this year’s conference, including seven Boise State business law professors.
“It’s a chance for us to discuss our research, invite research collaboration and share teaching strategies. The community is fantastic,” said Sam Ehrlich, assistant professor of legal studies for the Department of Management. “Bigger conferences are great, but they can feel a little siloed. At these smaller conferences you get to meet everyone. It’s a diverse group of legal scholars from various perspectives and schools. Hosting the conference is also a great way for COBE’s legal studies to give back.”
The conference lasted one and a half days, featuring presentations on topics such business law teaching strategies for undergraduates, the impact of courtroom symbology on traditional views of courts and justice, and First Amendment issues related to fan displeasure at athletic stadiums. Attendees also gathered for evening social events and visited ‘The Blue’ of Albertsons Stadium. This was the first time the College of Business and Economics hosted the conference in the Micron Business and Economics Building.
Business law professors from North Carolina State University, Georgia Southern University, Linfield College, Northern Illinois University, College of Idaho, Pacific Lutheran University and Boise State attended the event. Next year’s conference will be held in Portland, Oregon.