Wayne State University Law School participated in Baylor Law’s The Closer National Transactional Law Competition, held Jan. 16-19, 2025, in Waco, Texas. Known for its rigorous format, the competition provides problem materials only 24 hours before the first negotiation round, challenging participants to think quickly and strategically.

Representing Wayne Law, 3L Lydia Dunn competed under the guidance of Professor Eric Zacks. This year’s competition problem focused on a fictional transaction between the City of Waco and a local sandwich shop to establish two cafés at the Cameron Park Zoo. Each team consisted of one competitor and a coach, with the judging panel composed of experienced M&A attorneys who provided invaluable feedback.

Dunn negotiated with teams from the University of San Diego School of Law, Charleston School of Law, the University of Kansas School of Law, and Emory University School of Law. While Wayne Law did not advance to the final four, judges praised Dunn’s ability to quickly assess and navigate complex transactional issues.

“Participating in Baylor Law's The Closer was both an enriching and rewarding experience,” Dunn said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to negotiate and connect with fellow competitors and coaches. The competition’s unique challenge of receiving problem materials only 24 hours before the first negotiation round was both intense and exciting. I was proud of how quickly I identified and tackled the critical aspects of the deal—skills I credit in part to my prior experience in the Wayne State Taft Transactional Law Competition.”

Professor Zacks highlighted Dunn’s strong performance and the impact of Wayne Law’s transactional law training.

“Judges were extremely impressed by Lydia's business sense and ability to see the big picture throughout the negotiations,” Zacks said. “The Wayne State Taft Transactional Law program has provided students, including past competition winners like Lydia, the ability to develop meaningfully as a business law counselor. I was proud and pleased to see Lydia being recognized by the transactional attorneys judging the competition for the skills and expertise she has developed here at Wayne Law.”

Wayne Law congratulates Dunn on her outstanding performance and looks forward to continuing its strong presence in national transactional law competitions.