For the third year, the Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law has placed in the Top 10 of the annual American Bar Association (ABA) Competitions Championship, finishing fourth place out of all participating law schools for the 2020-2021 season.

Fowler School of Law competition teams participated in all four qualifying ABA for Law Students Practical Skills competitions, which were held virtually this year due to the pandemic. 2Ls James Dewey and Madeleine Dobson were named regional co-champions in the Negotiation competition, while 3Ls Katie Robinson and Chloe Loomer, 2L Sara Ross, and 1L Tessa Marraccino won the Arbitration competition. Chapman teams also made it to the final rounds of the ABA National Appellate Advocacy and Client Counseling regional competitions.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students, as well as their adaptability,” said Professor Nancy Schultz, director of Competitions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. “They didn’t bat an eye as they learned to navigate the technology for online competitions. Our students stayed true to themselves and maintained their integrity as advocates. I’m so proud of all our competitors.”

In addition to the ABA competitions, Chapman students performed strongly in numerous other virtual lawyering skills competitions this year. Some highlights include International Mediation Singapore, where all three Fowler School of Law teams earned bronze medals and 3L Brianna Gonzalez won a gold medal; the National Online Moot Court Competition, where 3L Michael Romero won an Outstanding Advocate Award; and the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition regionals, where 3L Betsy Sanz and 2L Nolan Kistler were named Top Oral Advocates.

“I am immensely proud of our student competitors for how quickly and adeptly they adapted to the virtual environment of this year’s competitions,” said Fowler School of Law Dean Matt Parlow. “These accolades reflect the hard work and professionalism they put into every competition. I’m grateful to Professor Schultz and our coaches for the incredible support they have provided under unprecedented circumstances.”

The ABA created the Competitions Championship rankings in 2018 to recognize law schools that go above and beyond to help prepare their students for practice. Chapman placed seventh in its inaugural year and fifth the following year. Rankings are based on total points awarded for participation and awards earned in the ABA Law Student Division’s four practical skills competitions.