Congratulations to J.D. Class of 2025 graduate Ariel Sweeney on winning first place in the 2025 ABA Section of Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Student Writing Contest. Her paper, “Nevada’s Blockchain Gamble: Can a State Embracing Web3 Technology Lead Probate Courts Into the Digital Age?” advocates extending Nevada’s blockchain leadership to estate planning and probate through the recognition of blockchain wills and a state-managed registry.
The award includes a $2,500 prize and a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Miami School of Law’s Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning LLM.
Sweeney graduated magna cum laude from FIU Law in December 2025. She served as vice president of the FIU Tax Law Society, event coordinator, and senior staff member of FIU Law Review. She previously worked with Henry Laffer, Esq., and has worked at Klauber Goldman, P.A. since May 2024, where she will join as an associate attorney this summer upon admission to the Florida Bar.
“I will forever be grateful for my time at Florida International University College of Law and for all the opportunities and knowledge provided by its outstanding administration and faculty,” Sweeney said. “I would also be remiss if I did not extend my deepest gratitude to the mentors I have had throughout my life who challenged, guided, and inspired me-- thank you.”