Rate My Professor Kent Coit

Kent A. Coit is Professor of Law Emeritus at Boston University School of Law. He served as Professor of the Practice of Law and Director of the School of Law's Transactional Law Program from 2012 until his retirement in 2024. Coit earned an A.B. magna cum laude in History from Harvard College in 1974, an M.A. in History from Harvard University in 1975, a Ph.D. in History from Harvard University in 1981—dissertation titled "The Diffusion of Democracy: Politics and Constitutionalism in the States, 1790-1840" advised by Professor Bernard Bailyn—and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1982. Prior to academia, he practiced law for nearly 30 years at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Boston, advancing from associate (1982-1991) to partner (1991-2011) in the Mergers and Acquisitions Department. There, he advised companies and boards of directors on negotiated and hostile acquisitions, public and private financings, spin-offs, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, restructurings, joint ventures, and licensing agreements. Coit represented venture capital firms, private equity firms, and portfolio companies in preferred and common equity financings, leveraged recapitalizations, and acquisitions. He developed particular expertise in transactions involving biotechnology companies, other health care industry participants, and companies in communications and technology sectors. At Skadden, Coit directed the Summer Associate M&A training program, engaging participants in simulated transactions to build skills in contract drafting and analysis, negotiation, client counseling, and deal making. As Attorney Development Partner, he developed and implemented the firm's associate mentoring program and instructed in firm-wide associate training.

At Boston University School of Law, Coit taught Contract Drafting in fall and spring semesters of 2012-2013 and Transaction Simulation—Auction and Sale of a Private Company from 2014 to the present. As Director of the Transactional Law Program, he oversaw intensive, hands-on training in foundational transactional skills, preparing students for legal practice through simulated deals and practical exercises. Coit served on the oversight board of the BU/MIT Student Innovations Law Clinic, providing expertise and guidance. Since 2016, he has been a member of the Professional Development Advisory Board at HotShotLegal, advising on content development and marketing strategies for legal training targeted at law schools. His mentorship and innovative teaching have significantly influenced students entering transactional law practice.