October 27, 2011
The
Hugh L. Carey Center for Dispute Resolution and the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently hosted the third
annual Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon at St. John’s
Manhattan campus. The Triathlon is a skills competition in which
law students negotiate, then mediate, then arbitrate a realistic
securities dispute. It is the only dispute resolution competition
in which students engage in each of the three primary methods of
alternative dispute resolution in a single event. Professional
neutrals from FINRA’s roster serve as mediators, arbitrators, and
judges, making the Triathlon a uniquely realistic lawyering
experience.
Photo Gallery One
Photo Gallery Two
“The Triathlon provides aspiring lawyers with an invaluable
opportunity to broaden their range of advocacy skills necessary to
settle all types of disputes, not only securities disputes,” said
Elayne E. Greenberg, Director of the Carey Center. “Our
evolving legal profession needs lawyers who are
settlement-competent, and the Triathlon helps participants get a
competitive edge.”
This year, 24 teams from law schools around the country competed. A
team from Pace University School of Law took the top prize, the
overall Championship, and also won the arbitration round. Florida
International University College of Law won the negotiation round,
while William & Mary Law School won the mediation round. Texas
Wesleyan School of Law won the Advocate’s Choice Award, given to
the team voted by the other competitors as demonstrating the
highest degree of effectiveness and professionalism.
“The students appreciated the evaluations and feedback from these
veteran neutrals,” said Ken Andrichik, Vice President, Chief
Counsel and Director of Mediation and Strategy for FINRA Dispute
Resolution. “Over 90 FINRA arbitrators and mediators volunteered
for the event. Many have participated each year. The neutrals
enjoyed helping the students to hone their advocacy skills, knowing
that some of these students will soon be appearing in front of them
representing real clients.”
Next year’s Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon will be held on
October 13-14, 2012.