Pace Haub Law ADR Team Finish as Semi-Finalists in AI-Focused Client Counseling Competition

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Congratulations to Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s ADR Mediation Team on an outstanding performance at the Client Counseling Competition. This unique competition centered on legal challenges arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Ultimately, the Pace Haub Law team, Melanie Mahoney (3L), Lana Hubbs (3L), and Zella Ertl (2L), finished as Semi-Finalists.

The Law School’s team was coached by alumni coach Stephanie Desiato ’09, whose guidance helped prepare students to tackle emerging legal issues at the intersection of technology and dispute resolution. “We are proud of our students for demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and adaptability required in today’s evolving legal landscape,” shared Coach Desiato. Stephanie is also the Associate Director of Academic Success, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, and an Adjunct Professor at the Law School.

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During the Competition, participants navigated complex client scenarios involving unauthorized AI use in published materials and copyright concerns, deepfake AI evidence introduced in a child custody proceeding, corporate integration of AI into software systems, and more. Teams had the opportunity to conduct live client interviews before a judge, focusing on client-centered counseling, issue spotting, strategic thinking, and professionalism. Competitors were evaluated on their ability to communicate effectively, spot legal issues, demonstrate professionalism, and provide client-centered counseling.