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Quarterfinalists in Madrid and Multiple Award Winners in
Prestigious Global Competition
The University of Miami School of Law's Sports Arbitration Moot (SAM) Team capped off another outstanding year with an impressive performance in Madrid, Spain, reaffirming UM’s place as a leader in international sports law advocacy and training.
UM has proudly participated in the Sports Arbitration Moot since its inception, now completing its third consecutive year as a competitor in this exclusive international forum. It remains one of the few U.S. law schools—and the only one in Florida—to compete in SAM since the competition began. The team’s participation is part of the International Moot Court Program (IMCP), which expanded to include this competition to provide a platform for students interested in sports law and arbitration. The SAM offers not only academic and professional growth but also unmatched global networking opportunities in this increasingly specialized field of law.
This year’s team, composed of Joseph Korzeb (3L), Andrew Lucas (JD ’24), Estefanía Hernández (JD ’24), Nicholas Abrahams (3L), and Lindsay Richmond (3L), earned multiple accolades:
· Best Legal Research Team
· Third Place for Best Applicant Team
· Runner-Up Best Respondent Team
· Quarterfinalists, as one of only two U.S. teams to make it to the final 16
Reflecting on the experience, Nicholas Abrahams shared:
“The past year with IMCP has been the most transformative part of my time in law school. Learning how to arbitrate in a professional setting, exploring the world of sports law, and refining my skills in persuasion and legal research were all core benefits of competing in SAM… The biggest takeaway I have from this program is that it gave me a home within the law school. I’m honored to have represented my school and friends on the international stage, and I’m filled with joy at the memories I’ve made with people who are now such an integral part of my life.”
Andrew Lucas (JD ’24) echoed this sentiment:
“Participating in the International Moot Court Program has been the most rewarding experience of my law school career… Competing in Madrid, Spain, was rigorous but also an exciting way to conclude my law school journey. Representing the University on the international stage and winning awards alongside my teammates was an unforgettable experience.”
For Joseph Korzeb, the SAM was a truly defining moment:
“Participating in the Sports Arbitration Moot was the experience of a lifetime… I was paired with an incredible team of my peers and trained by a renowned Arbitrator and Professor, Paula C. Arias, and a brilliant, well-connected Sports Law attorney, Enric Ripoll… I’m thankful to my teammates Estefanía, Nick, Andrew, and Lindsay and eternally grateful to our Coaches, Profe Arias and Enric. I'm confident that next year's team will win the competition. It’s all about the U!”
The team’s success was made possible through the dedicated mentorship of Professor Paula C. Arias, director of the International Moot Court Program, and Enric Ripoll, a UM Law alum and internationally recognized sports law attorney with more than 15 years of experience. Together, they have coached each SAM team with unwavering commitment, bringing real-world insights and deep connections to every round of preparation.
Professor Arias noted, “The SAM is unique among moot competitions in how it immerses students in the practice of international arbitration with leading experts from FIFA, CAS, and top sports law firms. Our students leave with not only awards, but real, transferable skills and lifelong networks.”
The inclusion of the Sports Arbitration Moot in the IMCP’s offerings has proven to be a forward-thinking decision, giving law students passionate about sports law a meaningful arena to develop their advocacy, legal writing, and analytical abilities in a global setting. It exemplifies UM Law’s commitment to practical, internationally relevant legal education.
As the team reflects on their success in Madrid, one thing is certain: the future of sports law advocacy at the University of Miami is bright—and bold.
Go Canes!
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