It’s the day after Thanksgiving so I’ll post part 2 of my discussion in ESG in the Trump/Vance era next week.

Today, as students are stressed out over finals, here’s a post to brighten their day. Please share and forward far and wide.

We are pleased to invite your school to send a team to participate in the inaugural University of Miami Transactional Skills Competition, designed to provide law students with an unparalleled opportunity to refine their transactional lawyering skills in a challenging and dynamic setting.

In keeping with the vibrant culture of Miami, the details and challenges for this competition will be sophisticated, unexpected, and innovative, embodying the city’s forward-thinking ethos. This competition presents a distinctive opportunity for law students to engage with real-world, progressive transactional scenarios in emerging industries.

Unlike traditional moot court or contract negotiation contests, this event invites participants to navigate the complexities of contract drafting while considering broader business factors. Through a blend of virtual and in-person rounds, students will manage high-stakes negotiations while developing essential skills in negotiation, strategic thinking, and client representation. This comprehensive experience prepares participants to excel in transactional law, providing them with the expertise necessary to succeed at the intersection of law and business.

Why Your Students Should Participate:

· Substantive Legal Tasks: This competition emphasizes practical skills by engaging participants in drafting contracts and negotiating substantiative legal and business deal terms, closely mirroring real-world transactional practice.

· Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have access to multiple networking events, fostering connections with peers, legal practitioners, and industry leaders.

· Recognition and Prizes: Teams will compete for cash prizes, including an award for the Best Drafted Contract.

· A Distinctive Miami Experience: The competition is held in the vibrant city of Miami, reflecting the city’s innovative and progressive spirit through cutting-edge, real-world scenarios.

Competition Format and Key Dates:

· Written Round: Teams will draft and submit a contract by January 13, 2025. Scores from this round will combine with in-person negotiation scores to determine which teams advance to the final round. More details will be provided following the close of the registration period.

· In-Person Rounds: The competition will take place at the University of Miami Coral Gables campus from January 16-17, 2025. Round 1 will be held on Thursday, January 16th, with Round 2 and the Championship Round on Friday, January 17th.

Important Details and Eligibility:

· Participation is limited and teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes on December 20, 2024, or when we have reached our 12-team capacity.

· A school may send up to two teams.

· Each team may include up to one coach (student, professor, or practicing attorney), though coaches may not provide assistance during the competition rounds.

· Each team may consist of two participating students, each of whom must be enrolled in or completed a transactional skills or contract drafting course, or who have had significant exposure to transactional practice through internships or clinical work.

· Registration requires the submission of a completed registration form, including contact details for each team member and their coach, along with emergency contact information.

How to Register: To confirm your participation, please complete the registration form here.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Paul Berkowitz via email at pxb403@miami.edu (please copy me at at mweldon@law.miami.edu). Further details about the competition, including rules and logistics, will be provided following registration.

We look forward to welcoming your students to Miami for this exceptional opportunity to engage in meaningful legal practice and showcase their skills.