In part one of a Legaltech News article by Casey Flaherty, Baretz+Brunelle partner and LexFusion co-founder, a new M&A negotiation competition is proving that with focused coaching and the right tools, law students can quickly reach associate-level proficiency. The ABA Business Law Section’s inaugural National Invitational featured top teams from eight law schools, with American University taking first place.
Students used platforms like Hotshot and Practical Law, plus direct mentorship from seasoned M&A attorneys, to master complex deal terms in just weeks. Their performance challenged the common belief that negotiation skills take years to build—highlighting how modern, practical training can bridge the legal readiness gap.
Read the article to explore Casey’s insights.
