Drake University Law School’s team was crowned national champion at the American Bar Association Law School Division Arbitration Competition held Jan. 20 in Chicago. The team consisted of second-year student Olivia Brooks and third-year students Jordan Nickerson, Rachael Irlbeck and Gabe Walsh. Ana Dixit, a 2016 law graduate, and Ronald Forsell, a 2015 law graduate, coached the team. The national finals pitted Drake against other top-place teams from regional competitions across the country, including Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Missouri School of Law in the preliminary rounds and Liberty University School of Law in the semifinal round. The team ultimately defeated Michigan State University College of Law in the championship. The competition simulates a realistic arbitration hearing. Students work in teams of four — two attorneys, two witnesses — to prepare and present an arbitration case against an opposing party. Drake Law School has competed in the national finals for the past four consecutive years, and placed second last year.