The ABA sponsors and runs two ADR-related student competitions – the Arbitration Competition and the Negotiation Competition. These competition teams are a terrific way to provide skills training to students and for them to learn by doing. Coaching these teams has made me a much better classroom teacher.

The Arbitration Competition simulates a realistic arbitration hearing. Participants prepare and present an arbitration case, including opening statements, witness examinations, exhibit introductions, evidentiary presentations, and summations. All teams will compete at a Regional competition and 10 teams will be invited to the National Finals in Chicago. Here’s a video of the 2014-15 National Finals round. http://stream.americanbar.org/services/player/bcpid2059188277001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABsp7SiCE~,aEBLYbQyvvDzG_ilsy3VR1brzH8RuBIr&bctid=3891670240001

The Negotiation Competition simulates legal negotiations in which law students, acting as lawyers, negotiate a series of legal problems. The simulations consist of a common set of facts known by all participants and confidential information known only to the participants representing a particular side. All teams will compete at a Regional competition and 20 teams will be invited to the National Finals. Here’s a video of the 2014-15 National Finals round. http://stream.americanbar.org/services/player/bcpid2059188277001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABsp7SiCE~,aEBLYbQyvvDzG_ilsy3VR1brzH8RuBIr&bctid=3891670240001