Decade of Dealing

For 10 years, Baylor Law School has set the national standard for experiential legal education with The Closer. Conceived by Professor of Law Beth Miller, B.A. ’82, J.D. ’85, the M. Stephen and Alyce A. Beard Chair in Business and Transactional Law, this premier competition challenges top law students from across the country to navigate intense, real-world transactional negotiations.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, this year’s scenario featured a distinctly Waco flair. Competitors negotiated a complex fictional deal between Magnolia and Lightstream Presents regarding a two-day music festival at an upcoming Spring at the Silos event. Given a mere 24 hours to review the files, students had to resolve critical differences over brand protection, financial risk and operational control.

Adelaide Fitzgerald (University of Oregon) and Linda Yan (University of Denver) took top honors among the 14 participating 

schools. As final-round judge Pat Souter, B.B.A. ’87, J.D. ’91, noted, “It is, first and foremost, the best transactional competition in the nation. And it gets better every year.”

Thanks to Miller’s visionary leadership and the support of dedicated Baylor alumni, volunteer attorneys and underwriters, The Closer continues to bridge the gap between law school and legal practice with hands-on experience, preparing participants to excel in transactional law for years to come.