University of Houston Law Center student Patrick Gant.
Dec. 13, 2018 - After playing wide receiver for Prairie View A&M University as an undergraduate student, Patrick Gant still keeps his competitive spirit alive in a different setting at the University of Houston Law Center.
The third-year law student recently competed in the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition regionals in Greensboro, N.C. Gant and his teammate, James Dorough-Lewis, won the final round to advance to the national competition on Feb. 8-9 in Chicago.
"I'm excited for competition in Chicago," Gant said. "After my first year in law school, I wanted to get more involved in some of the organizations and be a part of a team and compete. Being on the mock trial and alternative dispute resolution teams have been an awesome experience.
"I've really taken a liking to the negotiation that goes on in alternative dispute resolution. Participating really helped me with public speaking, being able to articulate a message and working with opposing counsel."
Gant has contributed to the Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy and during his 2L year served as president of the Black Law Students Association. Over the summer he interned with the United Services Automobile Association, and recently completed an externship working on NCAA compliance matters with the University of Houston Athletics department.
"It's been a great experience to work closely with sports and football especially since I was a former athlete," Gant said. "I've enjoyed learning about the regulatory and administrative responsibilities of the NCAA. Even though it's sports, it relates to what I did this summer working for USAA. A lot of the same compliance principles apply."
After graduating from the Law Center in May, Gant will work as a tax consultant in the international tax department at Deloitte & Touche.
"I enjoy the tax portion of law because in nearly every area of business law, transactions always come back to tax related issues," Gant said. "When I was looking for opportunities after law school, I had a chance to speak with Deloitte & Touche through the Career Development Office's On-Campus Interviews program. Working across country lines and gaining international experience is something that I really value. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity."
