Celebrating Our Graduates: Reflections on Baylor Law's Business and Transactional Program

The strength of Baylor Law's Business and Transactional Program continues to grow through the investment of faculty, adjuncts, mentors, and alumni who remain deeply involved in preparing the next generation of transactional lawyers. Earlier this summer, we heard from eight recent graduates and graduating students as they prepare to begin their legal careers this fall. Their reflections highlight the professionalism, mentorship, and practical training that distinguish Baylor transactional lawyers before they ever step into practice.

Real-World Preparation

Michael Rowley, joining Jackson Walker's Commercial Real Estate Group in Fort Worth, was struck by how closely the program's assignments and expectations mirrored actual transactional work, leaving him genuinely prepared for practice. Emily Lentzner, soon to begin her career with Haynes Boone's Transactional Practice Group in Dallas, noted that the skills she gained helped her stand out as a summer associate and urged future students to take drafting courses even outside their intended practice area, calling that foundation invaluable. Joseph Benn, who will join Naman Howell Smith & Lee in Waco, highlighted the value of drafting documents he would be proud to place on a partner's desk—a standard set on day one of Contract Drafting by Professor Michael Smith. 

Breadth & Legacy

Jared Miller, who will join Morgan Lewis & Bockius in Corporate M&A, credited the program with teaching him to think like a transactional lawyer across the full deal lifecycle—from entity formation and agreement drafting to securities, financing, and tax—and praised faculty mentors who modeled technical excellence and practical judgment in equal measure. Justin Garber, preparing to begin practice with Gray Reed in Dallas, pointed to the program's expanding curriculum and extracurricular opportunities as evidence of its continued momentum.

Relationships & Professionalism

As he prepares to join Pakis, Giotes, Burleson & Deaconson in Waco, Hunter Littleton reflected that while legal documents may close transactions, relationships create them—and that Baylor faculty kept that lesson front and center. Natalie Stroud, who will join Wick Phillips' Corporate Group in Dallas, echoed that sentiment, crediting the program's mentors with shaping her commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, and thoughtful client service. Hannah Prom, who will begin her practice with Morgan & Morgan in Orlando, added that the program's negotiations, drafting exercises, and competition teams taught her that being a strong advocate and being a respectful professional are not mutually exclusive.

Together, these recent graduates and graduating students embody what Baylor Law's Business and Transactional Program is all about: rigorous preparation, invested mentorship, and a commitment to developing lawyers who are ready to create value for clients from day one. We are proud of each of them and look forward to watching the impact they make in the years ahead.