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.
2
IN THIS ISSUE
Get Involved as a Judge! Shark Beach III and National Moot Competition.
3 4
2025-2026 BOA Executive Board
Meet the team and their roles.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Honoring all the years of Professor Baxter’s dedication to NSU Law.
5 Spring 2025 Competition Season
An ode to the successes of the Spring 2025 competition season.
7 Congratulations to our Alumni
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!
Friday, November 21, 2025
FEBRUARY 19 - 21 , 2026
National Moot Court Com
Xavier Russell Chairman
Kevin Riquelme Vice Chair of Trial
MYA SIMMS Membership Chair
Sabrina LAZO Publications Chair
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.
Professor Heather Baxter
SPRING2025TRIALCOMPETITIONS
NationalTrialCompetition
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-PreliminaryRounds.
American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
Theteam,comprisedofMadelynCanter, Emely Chirino, Xavier Russell and Christopher Ortega, showcased their advocacy skills in Washington, D.C.! [Photo features the team’s coach, DemitriDawson,inthemiddle]
Raymond Jairam, Kevin Riquelme, Karley Lopez, Anabelle Rosa and Alayna AbuShawareb competed in this personal injurylawcompetitioninSouthCarolina Trials&TribulationsMock TrialCopetition
OOT COUR OMPETITION
SebastianOrnes, KaelaS
Theteamplacedtopth argumentandtopfou
TheteamwashonoredasRegionalFinalists. John C. Gibbons Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition JohnC.Gibbons CriminalProcedure MootCourtCompetition
The team comprised of Dennise Alvarado, Mya Simms, and Luiza Biaggi won the Best Brief award.
LuizaBiaggi,Esq.
Judicial Clerk, Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal
LexieBirk,Esq.
Alexa Brin,Esq.
State Attorney’s Office (Broward County)
Panteya Atashbar,Esq.
Wicker Smith (Fort Lauderdale)
CONGRATUL TOOURAL
WHATISTHE2 BOA EXECUTIV DOINGAF GRADUAT
Zach Brill,Esq.
State Attorney’s Office (Broward County)
Wicker Smith (Fort Lauderdale)
Carolina Hernandez,Esq.
Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel (Broward County)
Maxwell Baroody,Esq.
Hall Booth Smith (West Palm Beach)
ALUMNI
We Want to Hear from You!
Attention Alumni:
To share your exciting news with us l li k HERE :
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
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
