Representing clients in a mediation setting is an essential skill for lawyers. This competition, in which law students role-play as advocates and clients in a mediation setting, measures how well students model appropriate preparation for and representation of a client in mediation as well as provides students a valuable opportunity to experience the mediation process. The competition is open to all full and part-time law students enrolled in ABA approved law schools during the spring semester of the calendar year. Law schools are invited to enter one or two teams, composed of two students each. The law school Dean must provide approval and a faculty member must agree to advise the team.

Each team consists of two students. In each round of the competition one student plays the role of an attorney in a mediation and the other student plays the role of the client. The students are judged on preparation, teamwork, how well the interests of the client are represented, using opportunities in the mediation process, and other elements of effective advocacy in mediation.

The ten regional competitions are scheduled in late February or early March. The winners of the regional competitions are invited to compete at the National Finals in April 2009 in conjunction with the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution's Spring Meeting in New York, NY.

Information for Competitors:
The online Entry Form will be posted in the fall of 2008
Click HERE to view the 2007-2008 Competition Rules and Instructions
Click HERE for a list of the Coordinating Committee Members and ABA staff

Information for Host Schools:
Click HERE to access the Information Packet for Host Schools

Additional Information:
Click HERE to order video of the past National Competitions (2008 video coming soon)
For more information about other Law Student Divisions Competitions click HERE
2008 ABA Representation in Mediation Competition National Winners
2007 Representation in Mediation Competition Winners
2006 Representation in Mediation Competition Winners