“At Texas Law,
We’re Open for Business.”
For more than a century, Texas Law has enjoyed a proud tradition of alumni success in transactional and business careers. That’s no surprise, given our status as the flagship school of a state renowned for its entrepreneurial culture and thriving economy. But we are not interested in resting on our laurels.
With the launch of the Texas Law and Business Program, we aim to be the premier law school in the nation for students who wish to pursue careers in transactional law or to move directly into business.
In practical terms, this means much more than just building on our traditional strengths in teaching the legal frameworks relevant to business activities and organizations.
It also means expanding our training on business fundamentals, creating practicum courses that trace and explore the structure, rationale, and document flow of various categories of business activity (from formation to fundraising, to mergers and acquisitions), offering bespoke mentoring, and offering externship opportunities that allow students to embed themselves in actual businesses.
All of which is why we say: at Texas Law, we’re open for business.
Our Mission
- Equip students with real-world skills and knowledge required to excel in corporate/transactional law practices
- Provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities
- Cultivate a deep understanding of business principles and financial markets
- Expand career opportunities for our graduates beyond traditional law firms
- Foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking
Core
Curriculum
- Business formation and fundamental skills
- Negotiation, finance, governance, and transactions
- Advanced electives, such as securities regulations and real estate transactions
Practical Experience
- Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic + Business Clinic
- Texas Venture Labs Practicum
- Energy Ventures Practicum
Program
Features
- Fellowships and scholarships to recruit students with demonstrated interest in law and business
- Mini-Mesters in New York, London and elsewhere
- Business-focused conferences and symposia
We thank our Founding Law Firm Sponsor, Latham & Watkins LLP, for making the Law and Business Program possible.
How Students Can Get Involved
The Texas Law and Business Program (the “LAB Program”) is open to all Texas Law students, with several levels of engagement available.
All students are welcome to attend our events and workshops.
Sign up to be informed about available opportunities.
Students pursuing their JD can become LAB Program Student Affiliates.
- Affiliates are expected to take a certain number of courses as explained in the Program’s forthcoming curriculum roadmap.
- Affiliates receive dedicated career mentorship as well as inclusion in informal meetings with the Program’s speakers.
- Affiliates receive free access to our Accelerated Business Fundamentals Bootcamp (offered in partnership with the McCombs School of Business). For additional information, email us at LAB@law.utexas.edu.
Following a competitive selection process, Affiliates may be selected as Honors Fellows of the Program.
Honors Fellows will receive:
- $1,000 scholarship per semester
- All-expense paid mini-mester in NYC, London or another major city designed to give our Honors Fellows
- Direct access to program partners (law firms, corporations, etc.)
Honors Fellows also will be required to:
- Complete the Program’s curriculum roadmap
- Dedicate 8-10 hours per week towards the Program’s activities
- Represent the Program in a number of different settings
Preparing Graduates for Business-Related Careers
The LAB Program leans into The University of Texas School of Law’s mighty tradition of graduating students who go on to lead incredible business-related careers ranging from the heights of transactional legal practice to a wide array of entrepreneurial, investment, and other business activities.
The LAB Program enhances all of those opportunities for Texas Law students, including through the LAB Program’s Honors Fellowship, specialty workshops and other course offerings, career guidance, special events, and support for the Texas Business Law Society student group.
