When rising 2L Dev Patel graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in finance and entrepreneurship, he knew the next step forward for him was law school.
“I wanted to build a career at the intersection of business and law,” he says. “My goal has never been just to run a business but to understand the rules that govern it—and eventually use that knowledge to help others navigate those systems more effectively.”
And it’s no wonder that Patel is passionate about hospitality and commercial real estate law given his experience in hospitality management and business operations. It was here where he says he began to appreciate how much the legal frameworks shape the way companies function “from contracts and compliance to growth and strategy.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how legal issues can make or break a project or business, particularly in the hospitality industry where leases, brand agreements, construction, zoning, and financing all converge,” Patel says. “I’m drawn to the complexity of these areas and to the practical impact good legal work can have on real businesses. I’m also interested in reforming certain aspects of franchise law to make it more equitable for small business owners.”
As a Utah native, Patel says the S.J. Quinney College of Law was his first choice for law schools, standing out not only for its location but its sense of community.
“I was drawn to the school’s balance of rigorous doctrinal training and hands-on, real-world learning. It felt like a place where I could grow intellectually while also continuing to be rooted in the community I care about. The strong faculty, the opportunity to do field placements early, and the school’s strong reputation in both business and public interest law sealed the deal for me,” he says.
Utah Law has been a great for fit for him. He enjoys attending events held by various student organizations to connect with fellow classmates and practicing attorneys and appreciates the College of Law’s collaborative and supportive environment most.
“Law school can be intense, but here, people genuinely want to see each other succeed: students, faculty, and staff alike. The accessibility of professors and the ability to have real conversations with them about your interests and goals is something I value deeply,” Patel says. “There’s also an incredible range of opportunities to get involved, apply what we’re learning, and explore different areas of the law. I’ve never once felt like I was on my own. This is a place where mentorship and community really matter.”
He looks forward to getting his feet wet this upcoming school year by volunteering with the Pro Bono Initiative (PBI) and is eager to apply what he’s learned so far to help people in the community. This summer, he started a legal intern field placement with Rudd Cooper while also working on a directed research project with Professor Chris Peterson.
“Both experiences have been incredibly meaningful, especially because they directly relate to areas I’m passionate about in hospitality and commercial real estate law. My field placement has given me real exposure to how legal issues play out in active business settings, while my directed research has allowed me to dig deeper into some of the legal frameworks and reforms I care about,” Patel says. “These opportunities have helped me connect classroom concepts with practical application, and they’ve affirmed that I’m exactly where I want to be!”
Patel envisions helping clients develop properties, operate businesses, and navigate complex franchise relationships after he graduates with the class of 2027. And he has some ideas for the long-term.
“I hope to build a legal practice that integrates with my entrepreneurial background and eventually manage or invest in hospitality projects myself. I want to combine legal expertise with business leadership, using both to drive growth, fairness, and innovation in industries that are meaningful to me,” he says.