
Alternative Dispute Resolution Team
If you're interested in resolving legal disputes through collaboration and strategy rather than courtroom litigation, the CWSL Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team offers an exciting opportunity to develop those skills while competing on a national stage.
Building Advocates Through Resolution
The ADR Team represents California Western at prestigious negotiation and mediation
competitions across the country. In these competitions, students act as attorneys
representing clients in simulated legal or business disputes. In negotiation rounds,
advocates work to reach creative, mutually beneficial agreements. In mediation competitions,
one advocate and one client meet at the mediation table with the mediator and opposing
side to reach a resolution.
Team members receive a case file with general facts, legal issues, side-specific deliverables,
and competition rules. They prepare through rigorous practice rounds guided by CWSL
alumni — former champions — who provide hands-on training in advocacy, communication,
and strategic thinking.
Whether you're planning a career in litigation, corporate law, or transactional work,
the ADR Team is a valuable pathway to mastering essential legal skills that will set
you apart.
Competitions
Our Alternative Dispute Resolution Team represents California Western in local and national tournaments, competing against law schools from across the country and around the world. Students work closely in small teams, guided by experienced faculty, alumni, and local attorneys, to prepare for each round. Through this collaborative, hands-on training, our students sharpen their advocacy skills in real-world settings.
Competitions We Attend
ABA Negotiation Competition
This competition gives students the opportunity to develop and showcase their negotiation skills in a simulated legal setting. Competing in teams, students act as lawyers to resolve evolving legal scenarios using both shared facts and confidential client goals.
ABA Mediation Competition
This competition challenges students to represent clients effectively in a mediation setting, balancing strong advocacy with collaborative problem-solving. Competitors are judged on their ability to advance client interests while working toward a mutually beneficial resolution using negotiation strategy, communication skills, and creative solutions.
Tulane International Futbol Negotiation Competition
This competition immerses students in the world of global soccer through simulated contract negotiations between clubs and players. Using real-world scenarios and confidential objectives, participants sharpen their negotiation skills and industry knowledge while presenting to and receiving feedback from soccer law and business professionals.
Recent Success
The CWSL ADR Team continues to excel on the national stage, earning recognition for their talent, preparation, and professionalism.
Notable Finishes
- 2024 ABA Mediation Regional Champion
- 2023 ABA Mediation Regional Champion
- 2023 ABA Negotiation National Champion
- 2023 ABA Negotiation Regional Champion
- 2022 Southwestern Negotiation National Finalist
- 2022 Tulane International Negotiation Finalist
- 2022 ABA Negotiation Regional Champion
- 2021 ABA Mediation Regional Finalist
- 2021 ABA Negotiation National Champion
- 2021 ABA Negotiation Regional Champion
- 2020 ABA Mediation Regional Champion
Team Roster
2024 – 2025
- Arman Sadighian
- Brandon Castro
- Chase Hayes
- Enas Gaballa
- Jillian Holland-Browne
- Juhi Bahkta
- Julie Lewis
- Luis Montano
- Ryan Rousta
- Terri Baker
- Zachary Wagonis
Coaches
Francis Carlota, ’21
Francis Carlota is an ADR coach and 2021 graduate of California Western School of Law who brings his competitive experience to mentoring students. He currently works as a legal intake clerk in employment law, and his favorite memory as a competitor is winning the 2021 ABA Negotiation National Championship.
Alexandria Loveless, ’23
Alexandria Loveless is a family law attorney, ADR coach, and proud 2023 graduate of California Western School of Law, where she once competed as a standout advocate. Her favorite memory as a competitor is winning the 2023 National Championship — a moment that continues to inspire her coaching today.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
For more information about our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team, on-campus competitions, or the Competitive Advocacy Program, please email us at JavaScript Required.
San Diego, CA 92101