Auckland Law School have triumphed at the world’s largest mediation competition

The 2020 International Mediation Competition of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) comprised teams from 66 universities from across the globe who competed in mock mediation sessions over six days.

University of Auckland students Susie McCluskey, Keeha Oh, Jacob Siermans, and Madeleine Tilley, coached by Tunisia Napia and Rima Shenoy, took part in four preliminary rounds, getting through to the semi-finals with teams from Germany, Hungary and Poland, before moving forward to the grand finals on 12 February, competing against Bucerius Law School representing Germany.

Each team had to try to resolve an international business disputes through mediation, guided by professional mediators, and following ICC mediation rules.

Sitting before renowned American mediator, Mary McLain, in the grand final both teams worked through a complex dispute about the rights to remake a widely acclaimed film, before the University of Auckland were named the overall winners.

This is the second year in a row that a team from the Auckland Law School have won the contest.

“The competition tests valuable skills in resolving disputes outside the court room, skills that will be in high demand once our students leave the University,” says Professor Penelope Mathew, Dean of Law.

“I thank all of the faculty members and affiliates involved in this success, particularly Nina Khouri and Ian MacDuff, and all the members of the profession who have assisted the team along the way.

The students have been wonderful ambassadors for the Law School and the University and back-to-back wins have added lustre to our international reputation as a higher education institution.”

Now in its 15th year, the contest is open to students from every discipline but must have at least one law student per group to take the role of counsel.

More than 130 professional mediators participate each year sharing their expertise in resolving cross-border disputes, assessing each team’s negotiating and problem-solving skills, and providing guidance, feedback and support.