Villanova Law Student Shares Real-World Insights on Entrepreneurship and Law at St. Augustine Prep

At St. Augustine Prep, students continue to gain real-world perspective through the Innovation, Experiential Learning & Entrepreneurship (IEE) Program—where classroom concepts are brought to life through direct engagement with young professionals navigating their careers in real time.

As part of an emerging under-30 speaker initiative within the IEE program, students recently welcomed Garrett Whitton, a Villanova University graduate and current law student at the Charles Widger School of Law. A member of the Augustinian family and graduate of Saint Augustine High School in San Diego, Whitton brought both professional insight and a shared foundation in Augustinian values to his conversation with students.  

Drawing from his academic and professional journey—from San Diego to Villanova and into law—Whitton offered students a practical introduction to the intersection of entrepreneurship and the legal world. His message focused not only on what it takes to build something, but also on how to protect it along the way.  

At the center of his talk was a simple but important idea: entrepreneurship is not just about having an idea—it is about execution, responsibility, and understanding risk. As he explained, while ideas are easy, execution is difficult, and mistakes can be costly.  

Whitton challenged students to think more intentionally about what it means to build and sustain something of value. Through clear, accessible examples, he outlined four key areas that matter most in any business venture: structure, ownership, contracts, and risk. Each, he emphasized, plays a critical role in determining whether an idea succeeds or falls apart.  

From understanding the differences between sole ownership, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, to recognizing the long-term implications of equity decisions, students were introduced to concepts that are often overlooked in early-stage thinking. His message reinforced a key takeaway: the decisions made at the beginning of a venture can have lasting consequences.  

He also highlighted the importance of clarity and accountability through contracts—reminding students that if something is not written down, it effectively does not exist. In doing so, he connected legal principles to everyday decision-making, showing how strong communication and clear expectations are essential not just in business, but in any collaborative effort.  

Perhaps most impactful was his focus on risk—what he described as the “silent factor” that can undermine even the most promising ideas. From legal exposure to partnerships and intellectual property, Whitton encouraged students to think ahead, ask the right questions, and seek guidance before problems arise.  

His closing message brought everything into focus: while not every student will pursue a career in law, everyone benefits from thinking more critically and strategically. “You don’t need to be a lawyer,” he shared, “but you do need to think like one.”  

Through opportunities like this, St. Augustine Prep continues to expand the scope of its IEE program—connecting students with emerging professionals who offer relatable, relevant insight into college, career, and life beyond the classroom. Experiences like this reinforce the Prep’s commitment to developing thoughtful, prepared, and purpose-driven young men, equipped to navigate both opportunity and challenge in an ever-changing world.