On the evening of Thursday, February 13, Texas Law hosted a happy hour event to celebrate the soft launch of its new Law and Business Program. Held in a 34th-floor event space in a downtown Austin residence tower, the gathering brought together more than 90 attendees, including students, Texas Law faculty, and representatives from major law firms.
The event provided students with a unique opportunity to network with practicing attorneys and gain insight into the evolving landscape of business-focused legal practice. It also served as a platform for Program Director Eliot Cotton and Dean of Texas Law Bobby Chesney to share their long-term vision for the program, emphasizing its goal of equipping law students with the practical business acumen necessary for success in transactional and corporate law.
Current 2L Samuel McFarland expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “The night was fantastic. It was invigorating to see so many like-minded attorneys and law students getting together to discuss how best to prepare for and approach the field of corporate law. Dean Chesney and Professor Cotton’s keynote speeches about the vision and purpose of the program resonated with everyone in the room.”
It was invigorating to see so many like-minded attorneys and law students getting together to discuss how best to prepare for and approach the field of corporate law.
2L Samuel McFarland
For many students, the launch of the Law and Business Program represents a much-needed shift in legal education, bridging the gap between traditional law school curricula and the practical demands of corporate practice.
Highlighting the importance of this evolution, 2L Malcolm Zuckerman said, “Law schools across the United States still operate along the general lines set by Dean Langdell at Harvard over 150 years ago, a testament to his forward thinking. However, as the practice of law has evolved, this structure has led to frustration over its limited applicability to transactional work.”
He added, “I’ve been extremely impressed with Professor Cotton’s course in Private Equity and Venture Capital. With his combination of practical knowledge and willingness to mentor, he’s exactly the type of person suited to head the Law and Business initiative. I’m excited that Texas Law and Dean Chesney are blazing a new trail forward, and I’m even more excited that Professor Cotton is leading the charge.”
Engaged Alumni
Students appreciated the opportunity to engage with Texas Law alumni and gain insights into the program’s future impact. At the event, attendees had the chance to connect with alumni and hear about the program’s future. Among them was 2L Christina Dolle, who said the Happy Hour was a great way to start the program, providing both valuable networking opportunities and encouragement about its long-term benefits.
It was so nice to chat with UT alumni and hear about how incredible they think this program will be for students entering into a career in corporate law.
2L Christina Dolle
“It was so nice to chat with UT alumni and hear about how incredible they think this program will be for students entering into a career in corporate law,” she said. “I also really enjoyed hearing from Dean Chesney and Professor Cotton about the future of the program.”
With the Law and Business Program officially underway, Texas Law is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative legal education. By integrating business principles with legal training, the program aims to prepare students for the complexities of corporate law and transactional practice, ensuring they enter the field with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The successful launch event signals strong momentum, and students, faculty, and industry professionals alike are eager to see the program grow.
Event Photos
