For the ninth consecutive year, Baylor Law School will soon host The Closer National Transactional Law Competition, an event recognized as one of the premier opportunities for aspiring transactional attorneys to showcase their skills. Set for January 16-19, 2025, this high-stakes competition attracts elite law students from leading business and transactional law programs nationwide to Waco, Texas, for an unparalleled learning experience.
The competitors participating in this year’s event represent 14 law schools known for their excellence in transactional law education:
- Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School: Josh Buckner
- Charleston School of Law: Daniel Garfinkel
- Emory University School of Law: Shizhen Tong
- Indiana University Maurer School of Law: Bret Runyon
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law: Caroline Hoover
- Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law: Preston McClour
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law: Sasha Shadrina
- University of Houston Law Center: Tanner Jarrell
- University of Kansas School of Law: Kathleen Siderchuk Rothfelder
- University of Oregon School of Law: Topher Kittilson
- University of San Diego School of Law: Nathan Gelbrich
- University of Tennessee College of Law: Joshua Lucas Rojas
- Wayne State University Law School: Lydia Dunn
- William & Mary Law School: Connor Cheadle
The Closer is a fast-paced challenge in which the competition scenario is revealed to competitors just 24 hours before the negotiation rounds begin. Participants are presented with a complex business problem that requires a combination of client counseling, contract drafting, and strategic negotiation. The demanding format of the competition tests competitors’ ability to think quickly and adapt on the spot, mirroring the intense environment that transactional attorneys experience during real-world deal-making.
A key feature of The Closer is its focus on individual performance. Each school selects a single competitor, ensuring that only the most talented and well-prepared students take part. The judges, who are experienced business and transactional attorneys, provide direct feedback to competitors, offering invaluable insights that they can apply to their future careers.
A Generous Prize Pool
Baylor Law School makes The Closer one of the most sought-after competitions by providing a notable $10,000 prize pool. This generous reward recognizes excellence and underscores the competition’s value. Participants can showcase their skills on a national stage while competing for financial prizes that reflect their hard work and proficiency.
A Community Effort
The success of The Closer relies on the generosity of its sponsors and the collaboration of the Waco community. Baylor Law School expresses its gratitude to the following underwriters and sponsors for their contributions to the 2025 competition:
- UNDERWRITER:
- The Kim and Bill Shaddock Fund for Business and Entrepreneurial Initiatives at Baylor Law School
- SPONSORS:
- J. Michael Tibbals and Freeman Mills PC
- Gray Reed
- Morgan Lewis
Baylor Law School’s commitment to developing practice-ready transactional attorneys shines through The Closer. By providing participants with a rigorous, immersive experience that mirrors the challenges of transactional practice, Baylor Law School continues to shape the legal profession’s future leaders.
As the event approaches, the stage is set for another round of intense competition and exceptional talent. Stay tuned to see which competitors will be named the Champions of The Closer for 2025.
Original source can be found here.