The Negotiation module is one of several co-curricular lawyering skills available to law students at Kent Law School. In the module students are taught the skills of collaborative negotiation techniques through simulated role play workshops and plenary sessions. Every year students from Kent are selected to represent the University in various negotiation competitions. Recently Alessandro and Alec were selected to represent Kent at the Gateley’s Sports Law Negotiation competition.
Here are their accounts on how the module helped them with their performances:
Alessandro Lagioia, from Milton Keynes, explains why he chose to develop his negotiation skills:
‘I chose to participate in the negotiation module not only to broaden my skills in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) but also to challenge myself in a more practical setting.
The module consisted of weekly negotiation scenarios where we were tasked with meeting our client’s needs while accommodating the priorities of the opposing party. The module concluded with a formally judged negotiation, allowing us to apply our learning in a high-pressure, professional-style setting.
It quickly became a standout experience of my second year. The practical, hands-on nature of the module was both engaging and refreshing.
Taking part in the negotiation module also helped clarify my long-term career direction. It brought out my strengths in strategic thinking and problem-solving, confirming my passion for ADR. I’m now actively seeking firms with a strong ADR focus, outside traditional litigation.
It was a privilege to represent Kent at the Gateley’s Sports Law Negotiation Competition.
Held at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, our first scenario focused on a cricket contract negotiation. Alec and I represented the players’ interests, and although nerves were high and we ran out of time, we learned a great deal. Our second scenario, involving a stadium clash, went more smoothly and received excellent feedback from the judges.
This experience reinforced a vital truth that applies across all legal practice: preparation is key. By drafting formal written agenda ahead of time, we were able to stay in control of the negotiations and ensure all relevant points were addressed, something that truly set us apart from the competition.’
Alec Bown, from Cambridge adds:
‘I wanted to further my communication skills, as I believe that communicating is a vital tool for any lawyer.
The co curricular module involved acting as lawyers for fictional clients and trying to come to an agreement using the facts of a scenario where there were often competing interests for each party’s client. It involved a lot of listening and being prepared to compromise. Quickly I learned that neither party was going to be able to get exactly what they wanted, so it was about meeting in the middle or somewhere close to that.
This module has massively helped improve my understanding of how to communicate effectively with people. This module was all about being able to listen carefully and ask perceptive questions to find out what the other party really wanted and why they wanted it.
On both the module and in the briefing session at the Sports Law Negotiation, the main message was that negotiation is a collaborative act rather than combative and that for every benefit you take from the other party you will have to give them a benefit and vice-versa – it is about balancing these out.
Then the first negotiation began. We were very nervous and perhaps it showed a little. Whilst it went okay we felt that we were too combative and perhaps spent too much time talking at each other rather than listening effectively.
The second negotiation then took place and this went much better. One of the judges who works in commercial negotiation said he would feel comfortable negotiating with us within his role, which was a compliment of the highest order.
The experience will have a long-lasting impact, it has definitely taught me a lot about negotiation and effective communication and if nothing else will remain a good memory because the day was really fun!’
Darren Weir, Senior Lecturer and Director of Lawyering Skills, congratulates all of the students who participated in the Negotiation module this year. He says, ‘Negotiation is a key skill for lawyers but also for anyone no matter what profession they enter. Students who undertake the negotiation module will often grow in confidence and channel the experience into other areas of their studies’.
