Pace Haub Law ADR Team Advances to Semifinals at Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team earned a Top 4 Semifinalist finish at the 19th annual Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition, held January 15–16 at Tulane University Law School.

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Representing Pace Haub Law were student advocates Madeline Law (3L), Stephen Smith (3L), and Jon Riina (2L), who competed against law schools from across the country in the highly specialized competition. This unique national competition simulates Major League Baseball salary arbitration, challenging students to apply advocacy skills in a real-world sports law context. Over two days, teams presented arguments before panels of judges drawn from across the professional baseball industry, including player representatives and front office executives. Tulane’s Sports Law Society also hosted a panel of experts discussing legal issues related to baseball, which participants were invited to attend.

“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 (3L), who is also the 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.”

The team was coached by Dan Masi ’14, a Pace Haub Law alumnus, whose mentorship has been instrumental in the team’s continued success and growth. Under his guidance, the ADR team has performed extremely well. “Coach Masi not only helps us prepare for the competition but ensures that we have a clear understanding of strategy and negotiation,” shared Madeline. While Dan was a student, he 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.