Texas A&M University School of Law 3L Lynne Nash was awarded the James W. Gibson Scholarship at the 11th Annual Texas Mediators Credentialing Association (TMCA) Symposium in Austin for being a “rising star” in the Texas mediation field. The scholarship, named in honor of a founding member of ​TMCA, was previously won by Joshua Graham ('14). Additionally, Texas A&M School of Law Professor Sahar Aziz presented on diversity issues at the Oct. 17 symposium. 

Nash was nominated by Texas A&M Law Adjunct Professor Kay Elliott and Joey Cope, Executive Director of the Abilene Christian University Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution, which she says is an award in itself.

“It's an honor to be held in high respect by educators and practitioners in the field of mediation who I so greatly admire.” 

In the 2014-2015 academic year, Nash competed on advocacy teams that were regional champions and national semi-finalists at the ABA Client Counseling Competition and winners of the Mediation Award at the FINRA Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon.

“I think being a mediator embodies the Aggie way – thinking of others and working to serve the greater good,” said Nash.

In addition, 2Ls Brison Bursey, Ellen Dickerson, and Janese Dudash were semi-finalists at the Mack Kidd Administrative Law Moot Court Competition in Austin on October 17. Dudash was the top ranked oral advocate after the four preliminary rounds. They were coached by former student Nikki Chriesman (’09).

“These competitions give us an outlet to showcase our abilities and argue amongst others who understand our zeal,” Dudash said.

Texas A&M law students are also using their passion to promote advocacy in future attorneys. 3Ls Kristinia Anderson, Gregory Franklin, Matthew Staton and Nash are helping coach the Texas A&M undergraduate mock trial program remotely by Skype and by traveling to College Station.

Anderson said the service of the students comes from the impression made by Texas A&M Law faculty and the Texas A&M core values.

“It is because our school instills such a strong sense of service within its students that I have been able to pass on the strong advocacy skills that I have developed to the undergraduate mock trial team at Texas A&M University that I am currently co-coaching along with Lynne, Greg and Matt,” she said.

Learn more about the Advocacy Program:

The Advocacy Program at Texas A&M School of Law is a key component of making Aggie law students practice-ready. Directed by Jennifer Ellis (Texas Wesleyan University School of Law '05), the Advocacy Program consists of three disciplines: appellate advocacy (moot court), trial advocacy (mock trial) and dispute resolution (mediation, negotiation and client counseling).

The Texas A&M Law Moot Court, Mock Trial and Alternative Dispute Resolution teams are nationally recognized. Since the law school’s inception, the program has received 3 international, 11 national, 19 regional and one state championship, 14 best advocate and 13 best brief awards.

- Article by Jennifer Nassar, Communications Specialist, Texas A&M University School of Law