Dispute Resolution Section Annual Mediation Tournament 2023

The New York State Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section announces the return of its Annual Mediation Tournament! The Tournament, which launched in March of 2019, is now scheduled for March 3rd and 4th 2023 and is open to law schools and LLM students nationwide.   

The Tournament is unique in that it enables three-member teams of law students to develop and display both advanced mediation and advocacy skills while participating as mediators, advocates, and in-house client representatives. The event is judged by a respected group of experienced mediators and practitioners and the final rounds will be judges by New York State and Federal judges.  The Final Round of Judges will include: the Honorable Anthony Cannataro, Acting Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, New York State Court of Appeals, the Honorable Sarah L. Cave, Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the Honorable Elizabeth S. Stong, Bankruptcy Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York and others to be announced. A variety of cash prizes are awarded to the winning team and mediator, as well as an award for best mediation statement.

This year due to an overwhelming response, we are allowing each school to sign up one team for a guaranteed spot, and then a second team which will be on a wait list.  If there is room, then second teams will be chosen based upon the Order that they register for the Tournament. 

To register a student team (at a cost of $150 per team) please visit the official event page: https://nysba.org/events/dispute-resolution-section-annual-mediation-tournament-2023/

Deadline is December 16, 2022.

The Annual Mediation Tournament is a chance to display both mediation advocacy skills and mediator skills, allowing students to participate in both categories; in this Tournament, the students will serve as mediators as well as advocates. Open to students from all law schools or LLM programs.

Cash Prizes totaling $6,000.00  

1st Place Team – $2,000.00  

2nd Place Team – $1,250.00  

3rd Place Team – $750.00  

Mediation Advocate Award – $1,000.00  

Best Mediation Statement – $1,000.00 

$150.00 Registration Fee for each Team