The inaugural Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiations Competition took place earlier this year. Spearheaded by the visionary Associate Dean for National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law, Lisa Schenck, this event marked a significant leap forward in advancing experiential learning opportunities for GW Law students.
Thanks to Dean Schenck's and her husband, James, generosity, GW Law was able to host this groundbreaking competition. Dean Schenck's foresight was clear – she aimed to introduce first-year students to the dynamic world of national security law before their first registration in March. And in doing so, she far surpassed expectations.
Professorial Lecturer in Law Robert Baxter was handpicked to organize the competition based on his extensive experience practicing in the field of national security. With the assistance of dedicated advocacy professors and students, including Abigayle Garret, Class of 2025, Matthew Branstetetter, Class of 2024, and Mario Erpinar, Class of 2025, who played pivotal roles in crafting the competition prompt, the stage was set for an intellectually stimulating and immersive experience.
"As an adjunct professor specializing in national security law, overseeing the Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiation Competition for first-year law students has been an immensely rewarding experience. Witnessing students apply legal principles in real-time, navigate complex scenarios, and develop critical negotiation skills amidst simulated national security crises underscores the importance of experiential learning in preparing future legal professionals for the complexities of national security challenges."
Robert Baxter
Professorial Lecturer in Law
The competition itself was a testament to meticulous preparation and collaboration. Teams of students assumed the roles of key national security stakeholders, navigating a simulated crisis involving Arctic Russia. Their task was twofold: advocating for their department's position and negotiating a lawful course of action before the simulated National Security Council.
Preparation was key, and GW Law ensured that students received comprehensive training from experienced adjunct faculty. Lectures led by experts from various government agencies provided valuable insights into the workings of each department before the National Security Council. The dedication of faculty members like Professors Michael Coffee, John Gountanis, Daniel Richard, and Matthew Thrasher ensured that students were well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
The competition unfolded over two intense days, culminating in heated debates and strategic negotiations. Upper-level students and esteemed faculty members lent their expertise as judges, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation process. The competition showcased the talent and potential of GW Law's students, with teams vying for recognition as the best in their respective agencies.
As the dust settled, it was time to celebrate the achievements of the participants. All competitors received recognition for their dedication, with special commendation reserved for the standout teams from each department:
- Department of Defense: Alex Greenberg and Talia Spillerman
- Department of Homeland Security: Austin Yanoti and Sam Girioni
- Department of State: Zack Minsk and John Hollander
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence: Sophie Young and Gray Kinnier
The success of the Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiations Competition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of Advocacy Programs at the Law School. Under the dedicated leadership of Lisa Schenck, initiatives like the Schenck Competition promise to enrich the educational experience for students and push the boundaries of experiential learning.
The GW Law community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dean Lisa Schenck and her husband for her enduring gift – a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation. The Schenck Competition not only enriches the educational experience of students but also prepares them for the challenges of a complex and ever-changing legal landscape. As GW Law looks ahead to future initiatives, one thing remains certain – the legacy of the Schenck National Security Crisis Negotiations Competition will continue to inspire and empower generations of legal minds to come.
