JD Student Profile: Cole Wilde
CBL Assistant
Jul 10, 2024
Why did you decide to pursue the Business Law Concentration program?
After completing my undergraduate degree in finance, I knew that I wanted to practice corporate law after law school. Pursuing the Business Law Concentration was the most logical choice for me to learn about a solicitor's practice in an academic setting.
What are some of the highlights of the Business Law Concentration for you?
My favourite courses in law school were "Corporate Transactions" and "Advanced Corporate Law", which were each taught by either practicing or retired lawyers. Both courses taught the foundational concepts related to M&A transactions through both a public and private lens, and helped solidify that I wanted to begin my career as an M&A lawyer. Where possible, I would recommend that students take business law classes offered by current or retired practitioners, as they offer a practical approach to the content which provides useful context as a law student and junior lawyer (and the "war stories" are a bonus as well!).
What was your experience in the Business Law Capstone like?
The Business Law Capstone was the most practical course that I took during law school. The Capstone presented the unique opportunity to work with senior practitioners and large, real-world clients on a simulated M&A transaction. The Capstone allowed my team to learn how to structure a client interview, draft client correspondence, and conduct thorough due diligence in a low-risk setting. The experience that I gained throughout the Capstone allowed me to more confidently assist with M&A transactions during my articles and provide more transactional value than I otherwise would have at such a junior stage in my career.
How do you think the program helps prepare students to work in business law?
In my opinion, law school is generally designed in a way that fosters useful litigation skills, such as researching, interpreting case law, and oral advocacy. The Business Law Concentration is very useful to law students who want to practice as corporate solicitors, as the breadth of business law courses allows students to enter articling with a foundational knowledge of business law, M&A, and transactions generally. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in a solicitor's practice pursue the Business Law Concentration, and also apply for experiential opportunities such as the Business Law Clinic or the Corporate Counsel Externship.
Published Summer 2024
- Centre for Business Law
