Two Legal Practice Course (LPC) students from London Metropolitan University reached the finals of a prestigious international competition.
Date: 09/03/2012
Two Legal Practice Course (LPC) students from London Metropolitan University reached the finals of a prestigious international competition, making them the first UK team to do so in two years.
Leah Boyer and Ryan O’Donnell swapped Goulston Street for the Champs-Elysses to compete against sixty-six teams in the International Chamber of Commerce Mediation Competition in Paris.
The students took part in a whirlwind series of mediation sessions during the competition, described by one renowned mediator as “pure dynamite.”
Ryan said: “It was a great achievement to be the first UK team in recent years to make it through to the finals.
“We had to compete against law schools from around the globe, with the likes of Harvard being involved in the competition. It was very rewarding to be able to put the skills we have developed at London Met into practice and to be successful in such a prestigious competition.
“Many of the teams were from different cultures and backgrounds, which made the competition a great learning experience.”
The team were given the chance to compete in Paris after winning a previous national competition – the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Mediation Skills Competition - in January. They beat teams from other UK universities to triumph and book their place in the international contest.
William McKay, Senior Lecturer, said: “Our resounding congratulations go to Ryan and Leah, who we hope will return to give some guidance to next year’s London Met team!
“London Met has been working towards building a reputation in the field of civil and commercial mediation for several years now. We hope Leah and Ryan’s success will further develop our profile in this growing area of legal practice.”
Ryan and Leah’s trip is an example of the many opportunities available to London Met students. The University is currently exploring the possibility of setting up a mediation exchange programme with universities overseas.