Campbell Law negotiation teams excel at 2026 ABA Regional Competition
In the modern legal profession, the vast majority of disputes never reach a courtroom verdict. Instead, they are resolved across conference tables, in mediation suites and through strategic problem-solving, according to Evin Grant ’16, longtime coach of Campbell Law School’s negotiations teams and former assistant dean of students.
The American Bar Association (ABA) Law Student Division Negotiation Competition simulates these real-world legal dynamics, challenging law students to step into the roles of practicing attorneys negotiating complex legal disputes. Beyond mastering the substantive legal issues, competitors must navigate competing client interests, read counterpart psychology under strict time pressure, and craft innovative, durable solutions that create value rather than merely claim it. For emerging lawyers, there is no substitute for this practical crucible — it bridges textbook doctrine with the interpersonal art of client advocacy, Grant explains.
Over the weekend of Oct. 24–25, 2026, two Campbell Law School negotiation teams put those skills on full display in the virtual 2026 ABA Regional Negotiation Competition.
“Across two grueling preliminary rounds on Saturday and an intense final championship round on Sunday, our student advocates demonstrated poise, preparation and tactical mastery against a formidable 20-team field representing top law schools from across the country,” Grant said.
A Historic Milestone: Advancing to the Final Round
Glori Guillermo ’28 and Chris Barber ’29, supported by Justin Hayes ’28, showed great skill and leadership on behalf of Campbell Law, Grant explained.
“Following an exceptional preliminary performance negotiating sophisticated problems spanning regulatory data governance and complex state tax enforcement, Guillermo and Barber earned a place in the top four teams, punching their ticket to Sunday’s Final Round to negotiate a contract dispute against Fordham University School of Law,” Grant said. “Although we suffered a challenging defeat, Glori and Chris did an amazing job advocating for their client, navigating the round’s intense moments, and working collaboratively as a powerhouse team to meet their client’s needs.”
This accomplishment marks a historic milestone for Campbell Law: it is the first time a Campbell negotiation team has advanced to the final round of an ABA regional competition since 2020, Grant reported. Coincidentally, the last time the tournament operated in a fully virtual format. “Guillermo’s razor-sharp analytical precision and command of contractual boundaries paired seamlessly with Barber’s commercial instincts and steady verbal advocacy, earning widespread praise from competition judges throughout the weekend,” Grant said.
Strength in Unity: A Complete Team Effort
Campbell Law’s success in the tournament was built on the collective dedication of the entire roster, according to Grant. “Team II, featuring Aidan Brown ’27 and Keeland Covell ’28 backed by J. Dean Locklear III ’29, delivered commanding performances in their preliminary sessions,” Grant explained. “Brown’s transactional acumen and prior competition experience blended perfectly with Covell’s perceptive questioning and active listening, consistently driving opposing counsel toward collaborative, interest-based breakthroughs.”
Negotiation is an intense team endeavor, Grant continued. “The distinction achieved on Sunday belonged just as much to our alternates, Hayes and Locklear, whose tireless preparation, rigorous mock sparring and analytical support in the weeks leading up to the regional proved indispensable. Every member of this six-student cohort pushed each other to think deeper, hold firmer lines and advocate with ethical conviction.”
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
An event of this caliber requires immense logistical coordination, according to Grant. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our host institution, the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and competition director Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, for orchestrating a flawless, professionally run virtual competition that allowed our students to compete and connect seamlessly.
“Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Campbell University School of Law and its leadership for the privilege to return and coach these remarkable students. Serving as a mentor to this group has been an absolute honor. Their resilience, intellectual curiosity, and professional decorum reflect the very best of Campbell Law’s tradition of advocacy with purpose.
“Congratulations to Gloriana, Chris, Aidan, Keeland, Justin, and Dean on an extraordinary weekend. The foundation you have built will resonate far beyond the competition circuit as you prepare to lead at the negotiating tables of tomorrow.”