The 2026 Business Law Boot Camp Expands Students’ Perspectives of Transactional Practice

Baylor Law School’s recent Business Law Boot Camp gave students an intensive introduction to the realities of modern transactional practice through hands-on exercises, practitioner-led instruction, and direct interaction with attorneys across multiple areas of business law. This valuable experience was made possible through the generous support of the Kim and Bill Shaddock Fund for Business and Entrepreneurial Initiatives, along with sponsorship from Spencer Fane and Haynes Boone.

The Boot Camp is held annually, and students are invited to participate after completing a highly selective application process. Through lectures, simulations, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, participants gain a comprehensive view of the business lifecycle. Participants consistently report that the program deepens and broadens their understanding of transactional law and the lawyers who practice in this field.

View Photos from the 2026 Business Law Boot Camp

Understanding the Many Paths into Transactional Law

Rising 3L Genesis Paita said that listening to the speakers share their professional journeys helped reshape her perspective on transactional law. “Listening to the different paths they took into transactional law showed me that there is not one strict or traditional route into the field,” Paita said. “It reassured me that I do not need to have followed a perfect or predetermined path to succeed in transactional law.”

Paita, who entered law school with limited business knowledge, said the experience made business law feel more approachable. “For the first time, I could genuinely see myself reflected in the people working within the field,” she said.

Learning from Practicing Attorneys

Students highlighted the value of learning directly from practicing attorneys about the realities of client representation and business advising. Third-year student Jared Miller said one of the most memorable moments of the week came during a live negotiation exercise. “My best experience at the Boot Camp was the opportunity to negotiate an agreement live before the class and the faculty,” Miller said. “This was a totally unexpected opportunity that allowed me to perform under pressure and at short notice.”

Miller stated that the presentations from attorneys practicing in mergers and acquisitions and commercial lending effectively demonstrated the scope and complexity of transactional work. “Tom Harris, an extremely experienced partner with a successful practice in M&A, delivered wonderful perspectives on his career and the lifecycle of a transaction,” Miller remarked. “This highlighted the realities of serving clients undergoing major transactions, and the privilege that comes with successfully advising on a deal.”

Expanding Perspectives on Business Law

Several students noted that the program challenged their previous assumptions about business law. Maryann Heffley reflected on how the program reshaped her understanding of business law: “I thought business law only deals with contracts, but it is truly so much more!”

Sessions focused on family business succession planning were especially impactful for students. Paita noted that the topic underscored the significant role transactional lawyers play in families and communities: “It can have a direct and lasting impact on Texas families, their relationships, and their legacies. The lecture showed me just how meaningful transactional work can be.”

Drawing on her own family’s experience operating a business, Heffley shared that the session sparked her interest in succession planning and related legal issues.

Professional Growth and Service

Students also cited the program’s emphasis on mentorship, professionalism, and service as key themes throughout the week. One lesson that particularly resonated with Heffley came in the form of a simple phrase repeated during the program: “Raise your hand.” She noted, “I think this was an immensely valuable lesson learned at Business Law Boot Camp because it reminds us to also seek out the next opportunity and continue to use the Baylor Mission to serve our community and beyond.”

Third-year student Cagan Baldree said the Boot Camp reinforced the importance of public service and professional involvement. “There are no excuses for not giving back,” Baldree reflected after completing the Boot Camp. Baldree also praised the opportunity to learn from practitioners and faculty members with considerable experience in transactional practice. “It is hard to believe we could one day be in their position, but it is also encouraging to see models of professionalism who have walked before us,” he noted.

Strengthening Career Goals

By the end of the program, several students expressed that their experience had reinforced their interest in pursuing careers in transactional law after graduation. “The Boot Camp strengthened my resolve to pursue a transactional practice after law school,” Jared Miller noted.

Paita said the combination of exposure, instruction, and mentorship solidified her interest in the field. “The knowledge, exposure, and encouragement I gained during the Boot Camp made the field feel far more accessible and confirmed my enthusiasm for pursuing this path,” she said.

Participants also encouraged future Baylor Law students to consider applying for the program. “The Business Law Boot Camp is one of the most rewarding opportunities that Baylor Law offers its transactional students,” Miller said.

Paita described the program as a valuable opportunity that broadened her professional perspective and boosted her personal confidence. She asserted, “The program opened my eyes to the many possibilities within business law and made me even more excited to continue learning and exploring the field,” adding, “I genuinely wish it had been longer.”

The Spring 2026 Business Law Boot Camp 

For more information on Baylor Law’s Business Law Boot Camp, please email Professor of Law Elizabeth Miller at elizabeth_miller@baylor.edu or visit the Business Law Boot Camp page here: https://law.baylor.edu/BusinessLawBootCamp.