Representing the Law School at the ABA’s Representation in Mediation Competition

Two teams of law students – Sean Balkin ‘15 and Kelly Barrett ’15, Erica Pandolfo ’16 and Andrew DeMasters ’15 – represented SUNY Buffalo Law School in the 15th Annual Representation in Mediation Regional Competition, held at Levin College of Law, University of Florida on Feb 21-22. These students made up the two winning teams from UB’s own Representation in Mediation Competition, held at the school in November.

Pandolfo and DeMasters placed 2nd out of the 12 regionally qualifying teams, with Balkin and Barrett placing 6th.  Pandolfo and DeMasters then proceeded to compete in the championship regional round but lost to the first place team in a close final mediation session (a 2 to 1 score of the judges).

Sponsored by the ABA’s Section of Dispute Resolution, the competition tests law students’ ability to use interest-based problem solving skills to engage the mediator and negotiate with the opposing party at the mediation table to reach a settlement.