The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team reached the semifinals at the 19th annual Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition, which took place January 15–16 at Tulane University Law School.
Student advocates Madeline Law (3L), Stephen Smith (3L), and Jon Riina (2L) represented Pace Haub Law in this national event. The competition is designed to simulate Major League Baseball salary arbitration, giving law students a chance to practice advocacy skills in a sports law setting. Teams presented arguments before panels made up of professionals from the baseball industry, including player representatives and front office executives. Participants also attended a panel discussion on legal issues in baseball organized by Tulane’s Sports Law Society.
“The Tulane Competition provides us with a hands-on experience where we are able to utilize our advocacy skills in a professional sports context,” said student advocate Madeline Law, who serves as ADR Director for the Law School’s Advocacy Program. “Our school has a strong history with this competition, and I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that finished as quarter-finalists last year.”
Dan Masi ’14, an alumnus of Pace Haub Law, coached the team. His guidance has played a key role in the team’s achievements. “Coach Masi not only helps us prepare for the competition but ensures that we have a clear understanding of strategy and negotiation,” Madeline added. As a student, Masi was part of the Pace Haub Law team that won the national competition at Tulane out of 40 schools in 2013.
“This latest semifinalist finish underscores Pace Haub Law’s commitment to experiential learning and highlights the strength of our ADR and advocacy programs as well as the dedication and talent of our students,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “The success of this team and our other ADR competition success is greatly due to the commitment and the skill of student advocate Maddie Law. She continues to be instrumental in the Law School, gaining national prominence in the ADR competition community.”
