Building Bridges Between Business and Government: Baylor Law School Introduces Innovative Course on Government Contracting
Designed to equip law students with the knowledge and tools to negotiate the complex world of government contracting, a new course at Baylor Law School offered by Assistant Professor of Law Kayla Landeros, Doing Business with State & Local Governments, delves into the legal frameworks and practical realities of how governments at the state and local levels engage with private businesses.
Drawing from over fifteen years of legal practice—including her tenure as City Attorney for Temple, Texas—Professor Landeros brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the classroom. “After working for a local government for several years, I saw how cities, counties, school districts, and other special districts impact our daily lives and how those entities interact with various businesses,” she explains. “For this reason, it is beneficial for students to understand how all levels of government—federal, state, and local—do business. More specifically, how each level of government allocates its resources to purchase goods, services, construction, and land.”
The importance of this subject extends beyond the classroom. Government entities are among the world’s largest purchasers of goods and services. The significance of government contracting on the U.S. economy becomes increasingly apparent when considering spending by state and local jurisdictions. A thorough understanding of what is involved in government contracting offers a significant advantage for law students aiming to build careers in administrative law, real estate, or corporate compliance.
A core focus of the course is preparing students to navigate the unique challenges of contracting with government entities, and students quickly learn that negotiating a contract with a government entity differs significantly from dealing with private businesses due to the complex layers of statutory authority and often strict procedural requirements. Landeros wants her students to be equipped with the skills necessary to manage these contracts, whether negotiating directly with government agencies or counseling clients on economic development projects. “Local government contracting procedures in Texas are governed by a variety of statutes which grant local governments specific authority but also require that they follow detailed procedures,” says Landeros. “Whether lawyers are representing a local government or a business seeking to enter into a contract with the local government, it is necessary to understand the authority granted to the local government and the procedures that must be followed.”
While the course is designed to prepare students for professional success, Landeros also hopes to inspire a deeper understanding of local government’s role in our modern world. “Many citizens, including the law students we teach, don’t fully understand how local governments operate, what authority they have, and how those entities impact business and development in significant ways,” she observes. “I hope the class introduces these issues to the students so they can provide value to clients in the future. Additionally, I hope the class helps students become more informed and engaged citizens in the areas they decide to live and build their careers.”
With its combination of legal rigor and practical application, Doing Business with State & Local Governments offers Baylor Law School students a unique and timely learning experience. As government contracting continues to play an essential role in the U.S. economy, this course ensures that future Baylor Lawyers are prepared to excel in this critical and complex area of legal practice.
