The Center for Dispute Resolution at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (C-DRUM) is proud to recognize members of the Class of 2026 who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to the study and practice of dispute resolution. These graduates leave Maryland Carey Law equipped with the skills and experience necessary to integrate effective conflict resolution strategies into their legal careers.
Dispute Resolution Track
This year, six students completed the Dispute Resolution Track, a designation that reflects both focused academic coursework and hands-on experiential learning. Students who earn the track complete a series of dispute resolution courses as well as an experiential component, such as a clinic or externship, designed to build practical skills.
The 2026 Dispute Resolution Track graduates are: Cameron Coughlin, Elemia Crankfield, Zuha Hameed, Brooke Roberson, Sydney Schuster, and Melissa Spirn.
The Honorable Paul A. Dorf Dispute Resolution Award
First awarded in 2019, this award honors the legacy of Judge Paul Dorf, who was at the forefront of the alternative dispute resolution movement in Maryland. The annual award recognizes a deserving graduating student who has made outstanding contributions to the study and practice of dispute resolution while at Maryland Carey Law.
The 2026 recipient, Brooke Roberson, exemplifies the values of this award through her sustained commitment to ADR throughout her law school career. Brooke completed multiple dispute resolution courses, participated in the Mediation Clinic, and earned recognition as a Dispute Resolution Track graduate.
In addition, Brooke spent two years with the Erin Levitas Initiative for Sexual Assault Prevention, first as an extern and later as a research assistant. In this role, she facilitated restorative circles and supported educational programming with Baltimore City Schools students, focusing on consent and healthy relationships. Brooke also completed the Collaborative Law and Practice Seminar, earning credentials as a collaborative law practitioner.
Following graduation, Brooke plans to pursue a career in family law, where she will draw on her training in mediation and collaborative practice. She also intends to remain engaged in community-based and mission-driven work.
Experiential Learning in Dispute Resolution
C-DRUM also recognizes the many students who participated in experiential dispute resolution opportunities during their time at Maryland Carey Law:
Levitas Initiative for Sexual Assault Prevention:
Brooke Roberson and Melissa Spirn
Mediation Clinic:
Ayana Burrowes, Brooke Roberson, Cameron Coughlin, Cheyenne Knavel, Elemia Crankfield, Lauren Fish, and Morgan Hennessey Cairo
Alternative Dispute Resolution Team:
Julia Baddley, Cameron Coughlin, Sakshi Das, Alen Dzaferagic, Connor Engle, Susie Fan, Zuha Hameed, Sara Halimichael, Robert Handler, Logan Marx, Aryana Ravery, Mitchell Schuster, Sophia Skorup, Imani Vice, and Mira Ward
Black Law Student Association ADR Team:
Ayana Burrowes, Mia Conde, Elemia Crankfield, Denis Fougeley, Sara Halimichael, Lyn Hatch, James Horton, Eden Lewis, Ikenna Mbaruguru, Tabonnie Nesmith, Quiana Snowden, Samuel Tart, Imani Vice, and Dana Wallace
Looking Ahead
C-DRUM congratulates these graduates who have earned special distinction in dispute resolution while in law school. The Class of 2026 has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing dispute resolution as an integral component of legal practice. We look forward to their continued contributions to the field and to the communities they will serve as they further C-DRUM's mission of advancing conflict resolution processes to transform relationships, systems, and the world.