The George Washington University Law School is proud to announce the third annual Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiation Competition, a signature event that continues to establish GW Law as a premier institution for 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 unparalleled opportunity to develop critical negotiation skills in a high-stakes national security environment.
This year's competition will challenge students to navigate a multifaceted crisis involving border security, bioweapon threats, and public health emergencies. Participants will represent key government agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State as they address interconnected threats requiring coordinated interagency response.
"Effective crisis negotiation requires more than legal knowledge, it demands the ability to navigate competing interests, understand interagency dynamics, and make difficult decisions under pressure," said Associate Dean Lisa M. Schenck. "This competition gives our first-year students invaluable exposure to these real-world challenges while building practical skills that will serve them throughout their careers."
Practical Skills Development and Professional Networking
The competition, scheduled for February 21-22, 2026, offers all first-year students, both full-time and evening division, an excellent opportunity to develop essential professional competencies and leverage their professional experience in the Washington, D.C. area. Evening students are especially encouraged to participate, as the competition schedule is designed to avoid conflicts with daytime classes. Participants will:
Engage in realistic crisis negotiations before a simulated National Security Council Network with current national security professionals, adjunct faculty, and GW Law alumni working in the field Apply professional experience and insights to complex national security scenarios Gain hands-on experience in interagency coordination and crisis management Enhance resumes with practical national security experience valuable for summer positions and future career opportunities
Competition Structure
Teams of two will work together to represent their assigned government agency, developing and advocating for strategic responses to the unfolding crisis scenario. The scenario's focus on border security, bioweapon threats, and public health considerations will require students to balance immediate security imperatives with longer-term policy objectives and legal constraints.
Under the leadership of Competition Co-Chairs Maegan Taback, Zoe Jensen, and Madison Medley, and the dedicated GW Law Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Board, the competition continues to provide an exceptional learning experience that challenges students while fostering the development of crucial negotiation and advocacy skills.
Call for Professional Judges
GW Law is seeking experienced national security practitioners to serve as judges for this year's competition. We welcome participation from the broader GW Law community, including adjunct faculty, alumni, and practitioners in the national security field. Serving as a judge offers an excellent opportunity to engage with GW Law's talented student body, contribute to legal education, and support the development of the next generation of national security practitioners.
Interested professionals should contact Professor Robert Baxter, Director of the competition, at rbaxter
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu to volunteer as judges or for more information.
Registration Information for 1L Students
Interested first-year students must register by January 24, 2026 through the online registration form here. Questions about the competition can be directed to natlsecuritylaw [dot] gwu [dot] edu.
The Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiation Competition exemplifies GW Law's commitment to providing students with practical, experiential learning opportunities in national security law. 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 participate in the third annual Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiation Competition.
