Competing in Paris

A team sponsored by the Scheinman Institute of Conflict Resolution and the Cornell Law School is competing in Paris this week at the International Chamber of Commerce International Commercial Mediation Competition.

Teams representing 40 universities from 18 countries submit written briefs detailing their mediation strategies, then present supporting oral arguments.

The event is designed to offer aspiring legal and business professionals an opportunity to learn about the role of mediation in resolving international business disputes.

Each session is mediated by an international commercial mediator and evaluated by a panel of judges. Areas judged include representation skills, problem-solving approaches and the abilities to handle different cultural approaches to mediation.

The student manager of the Cornell team is Andrew Starr, candidate for a 2009 masters of ILR degree.

The four other team members are Cornell Law School students, including Conrad Daly, who played a leadership role in establishing the campus-wide Alternative Dispute Resolution Society.

At the competition, which began Feb. 7, Cornell has competed with teams from Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), King’s College (United Kingdom), the University of Fribourg Law School (Switzerland) and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York City.

Scheinman Institute Executive Director Rocco Scanza said, "The Scheinman Institute is proud to co-sponsor this talented team of Cornell student mediators.  Gaining international experience will deepen their understanding of the process and the important role that cultures play in conflict resolution."

The International Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1919, has thousands of member companies and associations from more than 130 countries. The organization’s three main activities are rule setting, dispute resolution and policy for international trade.