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.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Samuel Carvalho has been selected to serve as the new Pace Energy and Climate Center Graduate Fellow. This position is reserved for outstanding Pace Haub Law students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research skills, as well as a strong commitment to climate change and energy law.

Samuel is a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and a Brazilian attorney who recently passed the NY Bar Exam. He earned his LLM in Environmental Law, with a specialization in Energy and Climate Change Law, from Pace Haub Law, where he was awarded the 2025 Dean’s Award, the Law School’s highest honor for academic excellence, service, and leadership. Over the past year, Samuel has worked with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance on sustainability standards and climate policy, and as a research assistant with the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies. In addition, Samuel serves as the Written Content Vice Chair for both the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER) Climate Change Committee and ESG & Sustainability Committee.

As part of his scholarly work in energy and climate change law, Samuel has authored several articles and book chapters, with a particular focus on the advancement of international climate goals through market-based mechanisms, the promotion of renewable energy through tax incentives and private-sector investment, and community benefit-sharing in climate and renewable energy infrastructure projects.

“I am very excited to welcome Sam to the Pace Energy and Climate Center.” said Michael Hamersky, Pace Energy and Climate Center Executive Director. “His leadership, experience in international climate conferences, and commitment to energy and climate policy will be an incredible addition to our team.”

“It is truly an honor to accept this position at the Pace Energy and Climate Center,” Samuel shared. “I look forward to working with one of the leading research institutions in the field and contributing to the development of solutions to the energy and climate challenges we face today.”

In his role as a Fellow, Samuel will work closely on PECC’s energy and climate initiatives, including major projects with New York State agencies and municipalities, while also collaborating with international scholars and researchers to develop policy recommendations related to promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.