Monday, October 10, 2011


History has repeated itself as Liberty University School of Law officially won the second annual Southwestern Entertainment Law Negotiation Tournament hosted by Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. This year’s team consisted of Caroline Gallagher (Class of 2013) and Chelesea Surprenant (Class of 2013). The final round was held October 2. A different team from Liberty University School of Law won the same national competition last year.

Joel Hesch, Associate Professor of Law and Faculty Advisor for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program at Liberty University School of Law said “Liberty Law School has a strong law student-led Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) board, which includes negotiation, mediation, and client counseling. A dozen law students practiced with and helped prepare the team. I am thrilled for the two students who won the competition as they have remarkable natural talent and I could not be more proud of them as their victory is a testimony to our entire law school.”

As in the previous year, this competition provided the opportunity for law school students from around the country to effectively and aggressively demonstrate their skills in successful communication and their ability to quickly assess the interests of a client and adversary.

“I am proud of our law students and particularly appreciative to Professor Cynthia Tompkins who accompanied the team to California and to Joel Hesch for his leadership in advising the team. This victory in the midst of the media and entertainment capital of the world not only reflects the law school’s vision to train highly skilled practitioners of law, but our commitment to provide a superior legal education in the context of the Christian intellectual tradition,” said Mathew Staver, Dean of Liberty University School of Law.  

Liberty University School of Law is committed to academic and professional excellence in the context of the Christian intellectual tradition. For more information about the law school or future events at the law school please visit www.law.liberty.edu or call 434-592-5300.