In 1877, the LSM established an articling system and exam protocols with the goal of educating lawyers in Manitoba.

It continues to enjoy a national reputation as a practice-oriented clinical school and as a scholarly centre of legal learning with a human rights and indigenous practice focus.

The Centre was formed with a mandate to "integrate the disciplines of law, business and the humanities as they apply to family-controlled and other private enterprises, the principal foundation of all economic activity in Canada.

The Asper Chair "sponsors a variety of research including bi-annual academic conferences in international business and trade law".

[8] Additionally, students involved in the Asper program "have the opportunity to participate in international commercial dispute resolution competitions".