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MSU College of Law

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2012

CONTACT: Kent Love, director of communications, 517-432-6959; kent.love@law.msu.edu

MSU Law Arbitration Team Wins American Bar Association Regional Competition

East Lansing, MI — The winning team comprised of third-year (3L) students Carmen Dorris and Molly Etkind, and second-year (2L) students Ariel Lett and James DeMates advanced to the final championship round with a perfect ballot score of 11-0, and a perfect round score of 42 points for Dorris. The team will represent the Law College in the national competition on January 25-26, 2013, in Chicago.


MSU Law Arbitration Team L to R James DeMates, Molly Etkind, Ariel Lett, not pictured Carmen Dorris

“This marks the third year in a row that MSU teams have won the regional competition, and the sixth time in eight years that a team has advanced to the national competition,” said Professor Mary Bedikian, director of MSU Law’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program. “This team’s outstanding work continues our tradition of training law students to excel in arbitration advocacy. This skill-set is indispensable; given the reality that arbitration is the process of choice for parties in commercial conflict.”

The Arbitration Competition promotes greater knowledge in arbitration by simulating a realistic arbitration hearing. Participants prepare and present an arbitration case, including opening statements, witness examinations, exhibit introductions, evidentiary presentations, and summations.

The Law College’s second team comprised of third-year (3L) students Vincent Rizzo, Lydia Karjaka, and Analise Martinez, and second-year (2L) student Samantha Schnoerr, placed third in the competition. Team alternate 2L student Mary DeLucas assisted in both team’s success. Both teams were coached by Professor Bedikian.

“The competition was a success in part due to support from Kitch Attorneys and Counselors,” said Brian Pappas, associate director of MSU Law’s ADR program. “Their efforts enabled us to provide an excellent educational experience for law students from across the region. We would especially like to thank Kitch associate attorney Jared Warner, ’10, for his professionalism and dedication to the Law College and to the Kitch firm as the competition administrator.”

Michigan State University College of Law, a leading institution of legal education with a long history of educating practice-ready attorneys, prepares future lawyers to use ethics, ambition, and intellect to solve the world's problems. As one of only a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After 100 years as a private and independent institution, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars, its curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and its facility is equipped with the latest resources—all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st-century lawyers.

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Law College Building
648 N. Shaw Lane, Room 320
East Lansing, MI 48824
www.law.msu.edu

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