Tae Joon Chang, who was a semi-finalist in the University of Houston Law Center (“UHLC”) Mediation Competition, recalls the competition. The 2020 UHLC Mediation Competition was hosted via Zoom this year.

I competed in the UHLC National Mediator Competition this year and placed as one of four semi-finalists out of 14 competitors. Each mediation was held virtually. Rounds were two hours long including caucuses. Each team consisted of two persons: client and attorney. During the competition, I had to juggle asking questions of both parties, but also let both client and attorney speak. The fact patterns ranged from corporate business transactions to family probate issues. Each round felt like a puzzle with general facts where I had to uncover underlying facts as well as the interests and concerns of the parties. The more I learned about the parties and their concerns, the more this helped me enable the parties to resolve the dispute and reach agreement.

As a student currently enrolled in the Cardozo Mediation Clinic, we engaged in real-world mediation training through mediating actual small claims cases.  That has helped me gain confidence in my mediating ability. The Cardozo ADR Competition Honor Society provided mooting opportunities with a variety of possible competition scenarios. My ADR Competition Honor Society coach, Nick Taltos, observed my moots, critiqued my performance, and gave me constructive feedback on both my mediating skills as well as my interpersonal communication style. Nick also impressed upon me the importance of a good opening statement that was  methodical and comprehensive. I am very thrilled with the outcome, and I really appreciate how many people within the Cardozo Mediation Clinic and ADR Competition Honor Society helped, encouraged, and taught me more about how to become a better mediator.

By ADR Team Member, Tae Joon Chang