NSU BOA - V.3

NSU BOA

OCTOBER 2025 | ISSUE NUMBER 3

Let’s Recap Spring 2025.

A highlight reel into the numerous accomplishments of the NSU Board of Advocates.

U.S. News Top

Advocacy Program

In loving memory of Armand Murach (1983 - 2025)

With deep gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Armand, an extraordinary attorney, mentor, and friend. For many years, Armand dedicated his time, wisdom, and heart to NSU’s Board of Advocates, shaping the next generation of advocates through his guidance and unwavering support. His passion for the law was only matched by his generosity, and commitment to helping students reach their fullest potential.

Though he is no longer with us, Armand’s impact will continue to be felt in the countless lives he touched and in the spirit of excellence he instilled in our community. We will carry his memory with us, always inspired by the example he set.

IN THIS ISSUE 2

Get Involved as a Judge!

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2025-2026 BOA Executive Board

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A Bittersweet Farewell

Shark Beach III and National Moot Competition.

Meet the team and their roles.

Honoring all the years of Professor Baxter’s dedication to NSU Law.

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Spring 2025 Competition Season

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Congratulations to our Alumni

An ode to the successes of the Spring 2025 competition season.

See where our 2024-2025 BOA Executive Board is now!

Join Us As A Judge!

Get up to 18 hours of CLE credit, including 2.5 hours of Ethics, if you judge four rounds!

FEBRUARY 19TH- 21ST, 2026

National Moot Court Competition Friday, November 21, 2025

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The 2025-2026 BOA Executive Board

Xavier Russell Chairman

Kevin Riquelme Vice Chair of Trial

Kaela Stephano Vice Chair of Moot

Christina “NINA” sALSBERRY External Relations Chair

Makenzi BROWN Chair of Competitions

Alayna ABU-SHAWAREB Community Service Chair

MYA SIMMS Membership Chair

Sabrina LAZO Publications Chair

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Honoring Years of Dedication Professor Baxter has been an integral part of Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law since 2007, shaping the legal education of countless students over nearly two decades. In October 2021, she was appointed Director of Legal Research and Writing, where she provided leadership, innovation, and guidance in one of the law school’s most foundational programs.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Baxter dedicated herself to coaching numerous moot court teams, helping students refine their advocacy skills and achieve competitive success. She also played a pivotal role in the growth of what is now the Board of Advocates, leaving a lasting impact on the school’s advocacy program.

In June 2025, Professor Baxter announced that she will be joining Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. We wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter and extend our deepest gratitude for her years of dedication, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to NSU Law.

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Professor Heather Baxter

SPRING 2025 TRIAL COMPETITIONS

National Trial Competition Zachary Brill, Lexie Birk, Sabrina La Rosa, Xavier Russel and Makenzie Brown proudly represented NSU Law in Tallahassee, FL. Zach and Lexie became Regional Finalist and Zach earned the award for Best Closing Argument - Preliminary Rounds.

American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition The team, comprised of Madelyn Canter, Emely Chirino, Xavier Russell and Christopher Ortega, showcased their advocacy skills in Washington, D.C.!

[Photo features the team’s coach, Demitri Dawson, in the middle]

Trials & Tribulations Mock Trial Copetition Raymond Jairam, Kevin Riquelme, Karley Lopez, Anabelle Rosa and Alayna AbuShawareb competed in this personal injury law competition in South Carolina.

MOOT COURT COMPETITIONS Saul Lefkowitz Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Moot Court Competition Competition

John C. John C. Gibbons Gibbons Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure Moot Court Moot Court Competition Competition

Sabrina Lazo, Sommer Sandler

Sebastian Ornes, Kaela Stephano, Muajkoob Lee

The team placed top three for their oral argument and top four for Best Brief.

Donald Affanato, Luiza Biaggi, Maxwell Baroody

The team was awarded 3rd Best Brief.

The team was honored as Regional Finalists.

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ABA National ABA National Appellate Appellate Advocacy Competition Advocacy Competition

Sofia Galante, Maxwell Baroody, Zoë Clarke

Dennise Alvarado, Mya Simms, Luiza Biaggi

The team comprised of Dennise Alvarado, Mya Simms, and Luiza Biaggi won the Best Brief award.

2025 Feinrider Competition Talent from the NSU Law’s Class of 2027 was on full display at the annual Feinrider Oral Argument Competition. Francesca Baleanu and Luis Kalil were semifinalists, Anita Browning was a finalist, and Daniela Marin Alonso earned the championship title.

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Luiza Biaggi, Esq.

Lexie Birk, Esq.

Alexa Brin, Esq.

Judicial Clerk, Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal

State Attorney’s Office (Broward County)

Wicker Smith (Fort Lauderdale)

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ALUMNI Panteya Atashbar, Esq.

WHAT IS THE 2024-2025 BOA EXECUTIVE BOARD DOING AFTER GRADUATING?

Wicker Smith (Fort Lauderdale)

Carolina Hernandez, Esq. Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel (Broward County)

Zach Brill, Esq.

Maxwell Baroody, Esq.

State Attorney’s Office (Broward County)

Hall Booth Smith (West Palm Beach)

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M U N L A Updates I We Want to Hear from You! Attention Alumni: We would love to feature your accomplishments in upcoming publications of the NSU’s BOA Magazine! From weddings, to promotions, and all the exciting life moments in between, we would love to celebrate the milestones with you and share them with fellow alumni.

To share your exciting news with us, please click HERE.

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