July 18, 2025
Two St. Mary’s University School of Law students represented the United States as national champions at the International Negotiation Competition (INC) for law students in London on July 7 through July 11.
Caroline Villarreal and Kendall Michaelis, both incoming third-year J.D. students, were awarded second place in the international competition. This is St. Mary’s Law’s best performance thus far on the international level. A team from Northern Ireland earned first place.
The INC is the oldest and most renowned competition focusing on international legal negotiation for law students from around the world. More than 40 top law schools from across the globe competed.
Earlier this year, the St. Mary’s Law team earned the right to compete internationally by being named national champions at the American Bar Association National Negotiation Competition Finals in Chicago.
A.J. Bellido de Luna, J.D., Assistant Dean for Advocacy and Conflict Resolution Programs, calls this “no ordinary second place.”
“In a competition judged by international legal professionals and academics, Caroline and Kendall demonstrated exceptional poise, professionalism and persuasive skill,” Bellido de Luna said. “They stood out not just as fierce competitors but as thoughtful, ethical problem-solvers — hallmarks of a St. Mary’s legal education.”
The St. Mary’s Law students’ achievement reflects months of intense preparation and tireless commitment, he said.
“To be recognized on a global stage as among the very best in the world is a moment of great pride not just for them but for the entire law school community,” Bellido de Luna said. “These two students are now part of an elite circle of international legal negotiators, and they carried our banner with integrity, excellence and grace.”
The students were coached by Allen Craddock (J.D. ’97), Ph.D., and Sarah Bourland (J.D. ’23), M.D., who are both Adjunct Professors of Law.
Leading negotiators
In addition, St. Mary’s Law students competed virtually in the 2025 Mediatrium Commercial Negotiation Competition in July. The National Dispute Resolution Team had three teams qualify for quarter-finals with one of them going on to semi-final competition. This India-based competition allows students the opportunity to explore international dispute resolution, commercial negotiation and policy-level strategy work.