University of Houston Law Center Career Development Office hosted its inaugural Transactional Lunch & Learn earlier this month. The event brought together Houston-area attorneys working the various transactional law practice specialties in an effort to expand students’ awareness of the different ways an attorney can work in a transactional law practice and empower them to further explore careers in transactional law.
Alumni panelists spoke about being deal makers as they discussed the ins and outs of practicing transactional law at the beginning of the program.
Ian Armstrong, (J.D. ’15) an associate at Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C spoke to the students about working in real estate law and how fulfilling it is to see the tangible results of your work.
“The benefit of real estate is it is everywhere you go,” said Armstrong. “It is rewarding to walk around town, look at a building, and know that is a lease I worked on.”
Megan Neel (J.D. ’16), member attorney at DumasNeel, emphasized the importance of building meaningful connections.
“Utilize the resources here. Take time to network and meet people,” said Neel.
Adri Langemeier (J.D. ’21), associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, reminded students to be flexible.
“Try different areas of law to find your practice and your fit,” said Langemeier adding that a good work environment is about “people and personality.”
After the panel, students engaged in networking sessions with both panelists and other Houston-area transactional attorneys, spanning diverse legal sectors such as energy, healthcare, finance, and real estate, as well as specialists who focus on mergers and acquisitions.
Participating attorneys
- Ian Armstrong, (J.D. ’15) Associate, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C
- Emily Banse (J.D. ’16), Associate, Bracewell LLP
- Ryan Chapa (J.D. ’19), Senior Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP
- Jennifer “Jenny” Gardner, (J.D. ’19), Associate, Foley & Lardner, LLP
- Lara Hall, Associate, Feldman & Feldman, PC
- Travis L. Huehlefeld (J.D. ’15), Shareholder, Wilson Cribbs + Goren
- Adri Langemeier (J.D. ’21), Associate, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP
- Gregory L. Lu (J.D. ’22), Associate, FizerBeck
- Morgan Morrow (J.D. ’21), Assistant General Counsel, Humble Independent School District
- Megan Neel (J.D. ’16), Member Attorney, DumasNeel
- John Ngunjiri (J.D. ’21, LL.M. ’21), Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
- John Niedzwiecki, Associate, Winston & Strawn LLP
- Derra Purnell (J.D. ’15), Of Counsel, Best, Best, & Krieger LLP
- P. Alan Sanders, Of Counsel, McLeod, Alexander, Powel, & Apffel, P.C.
- Sophie Truong (J.D. ’23), Corporate Specialist, King & Spalding LLP