The BU Mock Mediation Team went to Chicago for the American Mock Trial Association’s annual National Mediation Tournament on November 7 knowing they would have some tough competition. But they came out of the legal dust-up with the top overall score out of 32 teams. (The trophy is on display in the Pre-Professional Advising Office, CAS B2.) Mentored by CAS Assistant Dean for Pre-Law Advising Edward Stern, BU team members also placed second and fourth in Final Round Advocacy and third in Final Round Mediation.
“I am always pleased with how hard these kids work,” said Dean Stern. “They practice every evening; they are always thinking about what they can do better. We have three goals: to learn new skill sets, to have fun, and to win.” And win they do. The BU team placed first in the same tournament from 2002 to 2005 in both mediation and advocacy.
Winning in the National Mediation Tournament requires good preparation. About a week before the tournament, every team is sent five or six legal problems that may appear in the competition. A half hour before the mock mediation begins, one problem is chosen, and each team of three people is assigned to argue for the prosecution or the defense. The team members must play the roles of mediator, attorney, and client. They are judged by a panel of law professors and professional mediators on the consistency of their argument, their understanding of the argument, and the effectiveness of their communication with their teammates and opponents.
The BU team consisted of six students in two teams of three. Their high scores won a spot for one team of three from BU to compete in the International Mock Mediation Tournament in Chicago in March. One of only four U.S. colleges selected, BU will be up against teams from Canada, England, Germany, and possibly other nations.