On October 15-16, 2011, the Hugh L. Carey Center for Dispute
Resolution and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
hosted the third annual Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon at
St. John’s University’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.
“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 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.
“As someone who has coached ADR teams for 20 years, this is one
of the best we do because the students learn three processes and
also about settlement counsel,” said Kay Elliott, experienced
mediator and coach of the Texas Wesleyan team.
“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.”