Aysu Ingrid Haker and Joshua Michael-Ihunde represented Kent Law School in the national Gately Legal Sports Law Negotiation Competition.<\/p>\n
The competition, which tests students on their ability to think commercially when faced with a fictitious topical legal problem within the sports industry, was hosted at the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club.<\/p>\n
Despite accepting the challenge to compete at short notice, Anna and Joshua (who are both final-year Law LLB students) were placed mid-table out of 22 teams.<\/p>\n
Each team competed in two 40-minute Negotiations, judged by up to three judges (comprising lawyers, barristers, academics and professionals working in the sports industry). Teams were assessed on their preparation\/use of facts; communication; flexibility in adapting their strategy; team work; rapport with fellow competitors; the outcome of the session; and ethical standards. Team members were also required to provide a reflective Self-Analysis of their performance following each Negotiation.<\/p>\n
Aysu said: ‘Not only did I receive some helpful feedback on my negotiation skills from judges working in both the sports and legal sectors, but I had the opportunity to do so at the Etihad Stadium, of all places!’<\/p>\n
Negotiation is one of three alternative dispute resolution options open to law students at Kent; the other two are\u00a0Mediation<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Client Interviewing. Students can also\u00a0develop\u00a0practical legal skills\u00a0<\/a>through participation in\u00a0the work of\u00a0Kent Law Clinic,<\/a>\u00a0and by taking extra-curricular modules in\u00a0Mooting<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Mock Trial Advocacy<\/a>.<\/p>\n