Dispute Resolution Section Annual Mediation Tournament 2024

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 22nd and 23rd, 2024, and is open to law schools and LLM students nationwide.  

The Tournament was created and is run by its Executive Director, Leslie Berkoff of Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP.

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 judged by New York State and Federal judges. The Final Round of Judges will 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 and third team each of which will be on a wait list. Each team needs to be registered separately. If there is room, then second and then the third teams will be chosen based upon the order that they register for the Tournament, with schools being allowed a second team before a third team is selected.

To register a student team (at a cost of $150 per team) please click "register here" and then "register". You will be able to register your school, the coach, and the student participants.

Deadline is December 15, 2023.

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