We’re celebrating another major honor for Texas Tech Law’s nationally recognized advocacy program—3L Caleb Kunde has been named a 2025 Academic All-American Appellate Advocate by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators (NALAE).
This prestigious national award recognizes law students who demonstrate excellence in three areas: academic performance, success in advocacy competitions, and leadership within their law school communities. Caleb has excelled in all three.
Throughout his time at Texas Tech Law, Caleb competed on seven interschool advocacy teams in moot court and negotiation—earning a national championship, two regional championships, a national semifinalist finish, and two national octofinal finishes. His standout performances, particularly in the ABA Representation in Mediation and National Appellate Advocacy Competitions, helped lead Texas Tech Law to a #1 national ranking in the ABA’s 2023–2024 Competitions Championship.
And that mediation competition—where Caleb and teammate Caden Jackson claimed the national title in April 2024—not only contributed to the #1 ranking but also made history, making Texas Tech the only law school in the country to win national titles in all five ABA Law Student Division competitions.
Beyond his competitive success, Caleb served as Chairman of the Board of Barristers, served as Articles Editor on the Texas Tech Law Review, and is on track to graduate in the top 7.5% of his class.
Rob Sherwin, Champions in Advocacy Endowed Professor of Law and Director of Advocacy Programs, who nominated Caleb for the award, shared:
“This is a huge honor for Caleb, not only because he’s among the first 29 students to ever receive the All-American distinction, but because he’s among only eight to achieve it in the discipline of appellate advocacy. I’m just so proud of what he’s done, not only in leading our moot court and mediation teams to regional and national championships, but in leading our Board of Barristers to one of the smoothest and successful years we’ve ever had.”
Reflecting on the honor, Caleb shared:
“I would have never accomplished this honor without the mentorship of Professor Robert T. Sherwin and Justice Lawrence Doss, and the support of my teammates Joshua Mendez, Richard Bailey, and Caden Jackson. I also would never have accomplished anything in law school without the support of my wife Cassie, who makes it all worth it.”
NALAE will recognize all Academic All-American recipients this summer with a diploma-style award and an online showcase of honorees from across the country. We couldn’t be prouder to see Caleb representing Texas Tech Law on the national stage.
Way to go, Caleb!