February 4, 2026
J.D. students qualify to compete internationally in Canada
For the second year in a row, the National Dispute Resolution Team from the St. Mary’s University School of Law has brought home the national title from the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition in Chicago.
Kendall Michaelis and Caroline Villarreal, both third-year J.D. students, were crowned National Champions among the best law students in the country. This victory marks Villarreal’s second national title at this prestigious competition, which was held on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.
As the U.S. winners, Michaelis and Villarreal are invited to represent America at the 2026 International Negotiation Competition for Law Students from June 29 through July 4 at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada.
The St. Mary’s Law National Dispute Resolution Team also includes Anthony “Kash” Maley, third-year J.D. student, and Jessica Lamkin, second-year J.D. student. They advanced to the national competition after securing the regional championship.
The National Dispute Resolution Team is part of St. Mary’s Law nationally recognized Advocacy Program, which ranked fourth in the country in the 2025 American Bar Association (ABA) Competitions Championship.
A.J. Bellido de Luna, J.D., Associate Dean of Advocacy and International Partnerships, praised the students for showing extraordinary skill and professionalism at the competition.
“Caroline Villarreal and Kendall Michaelis earning the national championship and Caroline securing her second national title are truly exceptional accomplishments and a first for our National Dispute Resolution Team,” said Bellido de Luna, Hardy Professor of Practice of Law. “Combined with the strong regional performance of Kash Maley and Jessica Lamkin, this national title is a powerful affirmation of the excellence, discipline and competitive strength of our students and our program and the spirit of our entire National Team. We are immensely proud of what they have accomplished.”
The students were coached by Allen Craddock (J.D. ’97) and Sarah Bourland (J.D. ’23).