Sponsored by Allens Arthur Robinson

Clients of law firms increasingly want to settle disputes without the time and expense involved in proceeding to court action. Therefore, skills in dispute resolution are essential for lawyers in all practice areas, not merely litigation. The Blackstone Society is keen to encourage students to keep alternative career paths in mind during their studies, and skills learned from competing in Negotiation will be of value to everyone, not matter what profession they plan to pursue after graduating from Law School.

The Allens Arthur Robinson Negotiation Competition involves a simulated negotiation of a legal issue in which teams of two negotiators represent different parties to the dispute. The focus of the competition is the achievement of a negotiation outcome that satisfies the goals and expectations of each team’s client. Given this objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-negotiation preparation is required. The competition aims to expose students to a form of consensual resolution of disputes that is increasingly prevalent in the community, while developing their skills of negotiation, perception and communication.

Queries regarding this competition can be forwarded to our Competitions Office Paddy Mohen at competitions@blackstone.asn.au

Competition Dates

Round 1: Monday 10th August and Tuesday 11th August 2009

Round 2: Wednesday 26th August 2009

Round 3:  Tuesday 1st September 2009

Semi-Final: Tuesday 15th September 2009

Grand Final: TBA – estimated Tuesday 29th September 2009

Competition Materials

• Assessment Sheet
• Information for Competitors
• Information for Judges
• Rules
• Negotiation Guide
• Sample Problem