Strathclyde Law School, home to the UK’s leading postgraduate programme in mediation and conflict resolution, has been invited to host the 16th annual INADR International Law Student Mediation Tournament.  The Tournament will bring law students from all over the world to Glasgow, underlining  Strathclyde’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for mediation practice and scholarship.

The Chicago-based International Academy for Dispute Resolution has been sponsoring mediation tournaments since 2002.  Participation continues to increase and last year over 50 teams took part.  The Glasgow tournament has attracted teams from around the world including Turkey, Poland, India, Ukraine, Lithuania, Russia, Ireland, Greece, Brazil, Canada and the UK as well as over 20 from the USA.  The tournament provides law students with the opportunity to learn about mediation and practice their skills in friendly competition.     

The tournament consists of three rounds, then semi-finals and a final.  Teams compete as co-mediators working on commercial scenarios, with other teams fulfilling the lawyer/client roles.  Judges are drawn from the local and international mediation community, and students often comment on the encouragement provided by these professionals’ feedback.  Strathclyde teams have performed well over the years; the highest place was achieved by Katie Souter in 2014 (4th individual mediator out of 160 participants).

This year’s entry is particularly diverse, thanks in no small part to Glasgow’s reputation as the friendly city and easy access to transport hubs.  Highlights include a welcome reception (sponsored by Dallas McMillan) a visit to Glasgow Sheriff Court, a city tour and a civic reception and award dinner in the historic City Chambers.  The award dinner and ceilidh (sponsored by Alexis Hunter Family Law) will be a celebration of excellence, recognising the achievements of the next generation of mediators and mediation advocates.