Pepperdine Caruso Law Straus Institute Students Win International Mediation Championship

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Straus Institute students Richard Dreier (LL.M. '26) and Catherine "Cat" Davis ('25, MDR '26) earned first place in the mediator category at the 2026 Vienna IBA–VIAC CDRC Mediation and Negotiation Competition, held on July 2-7, in Vienna, Austria. Hosted annually by the Competence Center for Dispute Resolution (CDRC), the prestigious international competition brings together students from around the world to demonstrate excellence in mediation and negotiation. Teams representing universities across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North and South America competed in this year's tournament.

Representing the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Dreier and Davis distinguished themselves through exceptional mediation skills, advancing through the competition to capture the international championship. Their performance reflected the professionalism, sound judgment, and practical approach to conflict resolution that have become hallmarks of the Straus Institute. David Dowling, Straus Institute Judge Danny Weinstein Managing Director, served as coach for the pair.

Beyond their competitive success, Dreier and Davis served as outstanding ambassadors for Pepperdine Caruso Law and the Straus Institute. Throughout the tournament, they credited their experience in the Straus Mediation Clinic and the mentorship of professor Stephanie Blondell for preparing them to mediate confidently on an international stage. Dreier and Davis also shared their experiences with prospective students and fellow competitors, highlighting the clinic's hands-on training and encouraging others to explore Pepperdine's nationally recognized dispute resolution programs.

Their victory adds to another successful year of international competition for the Straus Institute, whose students continue to demonstrate excellence in mediation, advocacy, and dispute resolution while representing Pepperdine Caruso Law and the Straus Institute around the world. Congratulations to Dreier and Davis on their outstanding international achievement.

Additional information on the competition may be found at CDRC Vienna 2026

Davis, a graduate of Pepperdine University's Seaver College, is also featured in "Where I Feel Most Alive": How One Pepperdine Student Found Her Purpose