2020 Business Law Boot Camp
Business Law Boot Camp Goes Virtual in 2020
The Fifth Annual Baylor Business Law Boot Camp was retooled for 2020 in light of the pandemic, but thanks to the miracle of modern technology, students were still able to participate in a uniquely engaging and informative week of practical training and networking opportunities. Experienced and highly regarded lawyers drew on their knowledge and practice experience to provide instruction on various topics and skills relating to the formation and operation of a business, i.e., business formation, commercial borrowing, raising capital, trademark and advertising issues, business succession planning, selling a business, basic accounting, contract drafting, and negotiation skills. The entire course was presented on Zoom, but the students had high praise for the experience. Preston Polk, a rising third-year student, commented, “The 2020 Business Law Boot Camp was a great experience that was extremely beneficial in my transactional law training. The adjunct faculty for the course was very personable and provided practical instruction and insight into all areas of a transactional practice. Despite the virtual setting, each lesson was as valuable and interactive as it would have been in the classroom.”
Students had the opportunity to meet in small groups on Zoom and to get advice and encouragement from the adjunct visiting faculty. In addition to providing instruction on the various substantive areas and skills covered in the course, faculty members shared insights based on their own career paths and specifically addressed the students' anxiety about the future of the practice of law and the students’ prospects during these uncertain times. Tara Smith, a rising third-year student, expressed her view that the course did not lose its essence in the virtual format. She noted that “the speakers were still just as knowledgeable and enthusiastic online,” and she found it “especially helpful to hear the different attorneys talk about their career paths and how they started out.” Reagan Smith, another rising third-year student stated, “Business Law Boot Camp in 2020 was the best experience I have had so far at Baylor because it helped me have more direction in what I am specifically interested in post-law school. In one chock-full week, BLBC allows students to dig deep into many different areas of transactional law and learn about the main issues from attorneys who are currently practicing in those areas. It was so valuable to connect with each of the attorneys and have them answer questions about practicing in their subject area, type of firm or organization, and geographical region.”
Baylor Law is deeply indebted to the faculty of Business Law Boot Camp 2020 for their very effective adaptation to the remote format required this year. Their enthusiastic commitment to the course did not go unnoticed by the students. As rising third-year student Victoria Filoso observed, “All of the speakers adapted to the online format to make the presentations engaging, and they were still eager to connect with us and make the presentations conversational.” Baylor Law hopes that Business Law Boot Camp will be held live and in-person in 2021, but the dedication and resilience of the students and visiting faculty who participated in the 2020 virtual version suggest that the course will endure come what may!
