Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Negotiation Team competed in the Villanova Law E-sports Negotiation Competition, Oct. 20-21, 2023. Two Cumberland School of Law teams were represented in the competition where one finished as the runner-up.

The team of Ford Waters, Elley Smith, Zane Mitchel and Lucas Harris-Miller finished as the runner-up in the competition, only coming in very narrowly behind Penn State Law. This team was coached by Dylan Martin, JD ’21.

The second Cumberland School of Law team of Connor Chase, Jalen Williams, Savannah Aldridge and Beth Logan was coached by Thomas Thorneycroft, JD ’20.

Ben Warren, JD ’18, head negotiation coach, said, “This team fought through adversity with class and represented Cumberland with the utmost professionalism. I could not be prouder of how they conducted themselves throughout this competition.”

The virtual event, designed to provide law students the opportunity to practice their contract negotiation skills in a professional e-sports context, is in its third year.

Sara Williams, JD ’06, visiting director of advocacy programs, said, “I am exceedingly proud of our Negotiation team for their hard work and performance at this competition.  I am really excited about the future and growth of the ADR arm of our advocacy program as our coaches and students continue to find opportunities to showcase the training they are provided here at Cumberland across the country."

Experiences like this are a hallmark of a Samford University and Cumberland School of Law education, providing opportunities for students to be well-prepared for their careers.