The ABA Law Student Division Arbitration Competition promotes greater knowledge in arbitration by simulating a realistic arbitration hearing. Participants prepare and present an arbitration case, including opening statements, witness examinations, exhibit introductions, evidentiary presentations, and summations. Experience what it is to be a professional, competent, and ethical advocate.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT
All competitors must be ABA Law Student Division members in good standing (i.e. dues paid in full for the current bar year—September 1 to August 31—by October 25, 2009).

JOIN THE ABA
To join the American Bar Association and begin enjoying the benefits of membership for only $25, you may call 800.285.2221 or sign up online.

NOTE: Competitors who select the “Bill Me” option run the risk of disqualification if the ABA does not receive their Law Student dues by October 25, 2009.

COMPETITOR NAME AND ABA ID NUMBER DEADLINE
Using an online form provided for this purpose, schools must supply the Law Student Division with each team member's name and his or her ABA member identification number on or before October 25, 2009.  This deadline will be strictly enforced.  No exceptions will be granted.  

2009-2010 COMPETITION TOPIC
Current Economic Crisis

TEAM COMPOSITION AND COMPETITION FORMAT
A team consists of four JD candidates attending the same ABA-approved law school. Two students play the lawyers and two students play the witnesses for their side in each round. The lawyers and witnesses may change their roles from round to round but must keep their same roles in a round.

The regional competitions consist of two preliminary rounds, with each team arbitrating against two different teams. Each team will arbitrate for both the claimant and respondent in different rounds. After the preliminary rounds, the top eight teams advance to a semifinal round. The four prevailing teams from the semifinal round advance to the final round, which consists of four teams who are paired into two final round arguments. The prevailing team from each of the two final round arguments are both named Regional Champions and advance to the National Finals. Additional invitations to the National Finals may be extended.

ENTRY FEES / REGIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
The entry fee for the school’s first team is $450. If space is available, schools may enter a second team for $250. The competition works best with an even number of teams. Payment for the school’s first team must arrive at the ABA by September 18, 2009. Schools will be notified about 10 days after the entry deadline whether they may send a second team to the regional competition—at the time the school receives its regional assignment. Payment for the additional team must arrive at the ABA within two weeks of notification.

COMPETITION VIDEOS / PAST COMPETITION PROBLEMS
Videos capturing entire national championship rounds including the judges' evaluations are available for purchase. Two different products are available—one containing only the video and the other containing the video plus the complete regional and national problems, including applicable confidential information. Use these videos to help your team prepare for the competition or as a demonstration of effective techniques. Tell me more about purchasing Law Student Division Competition Videos.

COMPETITION RULES
The competition rules and host school administrative guidelines / instructions are posted to the Competitors Page, which is a members-only page. Upon registration and payment of the entry fee, the URL for the Competitors Page is sent to the team contact and faculty adviser. If your school has entered the competition and paid the entry fee, please ask your school’s team contact and faculty adviser to provide you with the URL.

If you have specific questions about the competition rules, please contact the Law Student Division.

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) typically takes place the first or second weekend in March, August and November. The March and November dates can overlap some of the Law Student Division competition dates. Competitors who plan to take the MPRE should be aware of the potential for date conflicts in March and November. MPRE dates for 2010 are: March 6, August 6, and November 6.

• Arbitration Competition
• Client Counseling Competition
• National Appellate Advocacy Competition
• Negotiation Competition