The George Washington University Law School is proud to announce the second annual Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiations Competition, a prestigious internal competition that continues to solidify GW Law's position as a leader in national security legal education. The competition, generously endowed by Associate Dean for National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Lisa M. Schenck and her husband James, provides first-year law students with an unprecedented opportunity to develop crucial negotiation skills in the national security context.
Building on the remarkable success of last year's inaugural event, which featured a challenging Arctic Russia scenario, this year's competition will immerse students in a complex transnational crisis centered on Venezuela. Participants will navigate regional stability concerns, protection of American lives, and vital U.S. interests while representing key government agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State.
"Last year's competition demonstrated the extraordinary potential of our first-year students to tackle complex national security challenges," said Professor Robert Baxter, who returns to organize this year's competition. "The practical experience gained through this simulation proves invaluable for students considering careers in national security law."
Practical Skills Development and Professional Networking
The competition, scheduled for February 22-23, 2025, offers both full-time and part-time 1L students a unique opportunity to develop essential professional skills before their first course registration in March. Participants will:
- Engage in real-world crisis negotiations before a simulated National Security Council
- Receive specialized briefings from experienced government practitioners
- Network with current national security professionals and GW Law faculty
- Gain practical experience that enhances resumes and provides compelling discussion points for future job interviews
Competition Structure and Preparation
Teams of two will work together to represent their assigned government agency, developing and advocating for strategic responses to the unfolding crisis. Prior to the competition, participants will receive comprehensive briefings from experienced practitioners currently serving in the agencies they will represent. This preparation ensures students enter the competition with a thorough understanding of their agency's perspective and operational constraints.
Last year's winning teams demonstrated exceptional skill in balancing agency priorities with broader national security objectives. The competition format has been carefully designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time student schedules, ensuring all first-year students can participate in this valuable learning experience.
Registration Information
Interested first-year students must register by January 26th at 11:59 PM through the online registration form. Questions about the competition can be directed to natlsecurity
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (natlsecurity[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu).
The Schenck Competition represents GW Law's commitment to providing students with practical, hands-on experience in national security law. Through this endowed competition, we continue to prepare the next generation of legal professionals for the complex challenges of national security practice while highlighting GW Law's prestigious National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Program.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable experience in national security negotiations while building professional connections that could shape your legal career. Register today to secure your place in this prestigious competition.
