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ABA representation in mediation competition held at UB Law

Steven Sugarman, Director of the Mediation Clinic, with Danielle Parent '10 and
Robyn Zenzinger '10

The University at Buffalo Law School held its 9th annual ABA Representation in Mediation Competition on Saturday, November 21. It was co-sponsored by the Bar Association of Erie County, the Student ADR Association and the Law School. Thirty three lawyers from the community served as mediators or scoring judges at this day-long competition. Thirty six law students role-played as attorney-client teams, with each team negotiating against another attorney-client team with a mediator facilitating the discussions in two different legal disputes.

Federal District Court Judge William M. Skretny opened this year's competition by addressing the students and attorneys, pointing out how important it is for lawyers to learn effective representation skills in the mediation context, as mediation is used increasingly in the courts and in private practice. In introducing the judge, Vice Dean Charles Ewing stressed how attorney advocacy in mediation is among the important practical skills that UB Law School is emphasizing for its graduates.

Matthew Musial '11, Steven Sugarman and
Anant Kishore '11

The winners of the UB Competition this year were Danielle Parent '10, Robyn Zenzinger '10, Matthew Musial '11 and Anant Kishore '11.

The Competition was organized and run by Adjunct Professor Steven Sugarman and Clinical Professor Suzanne Tomkins. Vice Dean Melinda Saran assisted in the event as well as Camille Catalano and Deborah Nasisi.