Arsalan Darbin
June 23, 2025 – University of Houston law student Arsalan Darbin has spent the past year honing his legal skills as a fellow with the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Darbin, who is set to graduate in 2026 with his J.D., learned about the fellowship through the UH Law Center’s Career Development Office. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved and work with experienced business law practitioners,” he said. “I also knew I [would] be taking several business-related courses in the coming year, so I thought I could get a more in-depth understanding of the concepts we studied in classes.”
As a Business Law Fellow, Darbin is paired with a business law expert to work on a yearlong project. “The projects I have been working on during the fellowship involve various facets of business law, including contract provisions and monitoring relevant legislation in the Texas Legislature,” he said. “Working on these assignments with the guidance of experienced attorneys [has] enhanced my understanding of legal areas that will be essential to my future practice.”
Beyond hands-on legal experience, Darbin also benefits from networking events, such as in-person and online meetings, dinners, and an annual retreat. It is a great way to make connections and learn from the most prominent business lawyers in Texas, he shared.
“This is different from a summer associate or intern position in a few ways. First, participating in this project gives me a much better perspective on Texas statutes, which will benefit my future legal practice. Second, I get to build close connections with experienced attorneys in a way that is not otherwise possible as a law student,” he said. “I don't believe I could have gotten this experience through an internship or other networking event.”
After graduating in May, Darbin hopes to pursue a career in energy law and has created a portfolio that reflects that commitment. His experience includes a legal internship at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, a judicial internship under the Honorable Peter Kelly in Texas’s First Court of Appeals, and more. These roles have helped him develop a broad perspective on the many facets of energy law.
The 2025-26 school year deadline for the Business Law Fellowship is September 15. More information about the fellowship and the application process can be found at: https://texasbusinesslaw.org/about/apply-to-be-a-business-law-fellow.
Q&A with Arsalan Darbin
What has been the most interesting part of the experience and why?
AD: In late March, I attended the Business Law Section's weekend retreat in San Antonio. It was a unique experience getting to know some of the most prominent business lawyers in Texas. We had engaging conversations on various legal and social topics. I think such interactions are really valuable for getting the insights you may not otherwise get from law school classes.
What aspects of this fellowship will be most valuable to you as you begin your career?
AD: The most valuable aspects will be the personal connections with the attorneys and the experience I gained from the projects. I hope to keep in contact with some of the attorneys I met and have them as a resource or reference when I begin my legal practice. And regarding the experience, it helps me acquire knowledge that will be valuable when I begin my practice. For example, the main project that I'm working on involves research and writing on some of the most important Texas rulings on contractual provisions. This would be of great value when I work on contract drafting as an attorney.
What advice do you have for UHLC students interested in becoming a law fellow?
AD: You will get valuable experience by participating in the Business Law Fellowship. There are distinguished attorneys who are willing to assist you on the projects, and your work will help other business lawyers in their practice. I think it's a unique experience to have while still attending law school. Also, feel free to talk to your professors or career counselors if you have any questions about the application.
How do you balance law school, being a fellow and personal time and wellbeing?
AD: I prioritize the workload based on their importance and deadlines, usually scheduling personal times on the weekends. The responsibilities of the fellowship haven't interfered with my law school obligations. The attorneys you work with are very busy themselves and are flexible with the deadlines. And some of the tasks like attending the retreat are optional. So, you can just focus on your assigned projects or ask for more work if you have the time.
What led you to pursue a legal education at the UH Law Center?
AD: I completed my undergraduate studies in Economics at the University of Houston. I was also part of the Honors College at UH, which offered a strong liberal arts curriculum. Given my passion for the social sciences, I saw law school as a way to continue my studies and discover new career paths. The UH Law Center’s reputation and extensive opportunities made it the best choice for my legal education.
