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.

The National Arbitration Forum
co-sponsors this competition.

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.

TEAM MEMBER NAME AND ABA ID NUMBER SUBMISSION
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 is a strict liability deadline, there will be no exceptions).

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 qualifying rounds, with each team arbitrating against two different teams. Each team will arbitrate for both the claimant and respondent in different rounds. After the qualifying rounds, the top four teams advance to a single-elimination, semifinal round, with the two winning teams meeting in a single-elimination final round.

The first and second place teams from each regional competition will advance to the National Finals. Additional invitations 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.

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. Future 2009 dates are Friday, August 7 and Saturday, November 7. The 2010 dates will not be finalized until mid to late July 2009. Competitors who plan to take the MPRE should be aware of the potential for date conflicts in March and November.

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