Award honors Miami Law 3L for excellence in client-focused contract drafting, negotiation, and real-world legal training.
University of Miami School of Law student Connor Vasile has been named the 2025 recipient of the Preston J. Clark Scholarship, an annual award recognizing a student who demonstrates excellence in transactional law and a commitment to client-centered legal practice.
A rising 3L, Vasile has built a diverse portfolio of legal experience. He interned with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, worked with the Investor Rights Clinic, and served as a fellow at the Center for Equal Opportunity in Washington, D.C. He currently clerks at EPGD Business Law, supporting a range of business litigation and transactional matters.
Vasile attributes much of his practical readiness to UM Law’s Transactional Skills Program, which he describes as a crucial bridge between theory and application.
“Law school should be an opportunity for students to gain hands-on, applicable work experience the minute they get their first course assignments,” he said, reflecting on his experience drafting confidentiality agreements and preparing for simulated negotiations with opposing counsel.
For him, the value of the program lies not just in teaching contract mechanics, but in helping students understand how to build long-term value for clients and relationships that extend beyond the four corners of a contract.
He also emphasizes that the program goes far beyond traditional classroom instruction:
“Through interactive class projects and one-on-one guidance for contract competitions, the Transactional Skills Program prepares us for life after law school—not just final exams.”
This real-world orientation served him well at this year’s Canes Contract Challenge, a national competition hosted by the law school. Vasile placed second overall, standing out among participants from across the country in contract drafting and negotiation.
The Preston J. Clark Scholarship, named for Miami Law alumnus and Law Insider co-founder Preston Clark, is awarded to a student who exemplifies technical skill, business acumen, and a service-oriented mindset. The scholarship is part of Clark’s ongoing support for the University of Miami School of Law’s Transactional Skills Program.
Clark, who co-founded Law Insider, a leading Legal AI platform focused on accelerating contract review and drafting, emphasized the shared mission:
“Connor represents the future of transactional law – practically trained, business-minded, and eager to deliver value from day one. What he’s learning through the Transactional Skills Program mirrors exactly what legal teams need in the real world. At Law Insider, we’re building tools to support that kind of lawyer—especially when it comes to contract review and negotiation.”
Professor Marcia Narine Weldon, director of the Transactional Skills Program, praised Vasile’s achievement and the mission of the scholarship:
“Connor embodies exactly what we aim to develop through this program – students who are confident, capable, and ready to deliver real value from day one. We’re proud to see his hard work and leadership recognized through this award.”
As he enters his final year at Miami Law, Vasile has also been named Law Insider’s Student Ambassador for the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, he’ll help fellow students get AI-ready for the future of contract drafting and review by promoting tools like Law Insider’s platform across campus.
UM Law’s Transactional Skills Program continues to serve as a launchpad for students interested in corporate, business, and contract law. With students like Vasile leading the way, the program is shaping a new generation of lawyers—ones prepared not just to understand the law, but to apply it where it matters most.
