A Club for Everyone

One thing that is so wonderful about RWU School of Law is all the opportunities they provide you with as far as extra-ciricular activities go.  Whether you are interested in the joining a law fraternity, such as PAD or DTP, or a political organization, like the Federalist Society or the ACLU, or maybe you want to gain some experience and join Moot Court, Trial Team, or the Law Review, there is something for everyone.  My first year of law school, I joined the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, or the ADR, as we are referred to on campus.  Aside from attending meetings and helping with events, first year students are not permitted from trying out for either of the ADR’s competitions.  In the Fall, the school hosts a Negoiation Competition and selects two teams to represent RWU in the Regional Competition.  This year, a team of two second years, John Dean and Tory Randall, competed at Vermont Law School and did quite well.

Try-outs were just held for the Spring Representation in Mediation Competition and I am excited to say that my partner, third-year Susan Roth and I were one of the two teams selected to compete at Quinnipiac University on March 3.  Mediation is a very interesting process and takes a lot of patience and skill.  Prior to my try-out with Sue, I had no real mediation experience but figured I would give it a try.  With some coaching from Sue, I caught on quickly and had a lot of fun doing it.  Our try-out consisted of a problem where we had to role play one side of a Will dispute; Sue played the attorney and I played the part of the client.  The other team, consisting of Jill Smith and Pam Elia, both second-years, payed the role of the opposing client and lawyer, respectively.  Professor Bruce Kogan, Mediation professor and ADR advisor, was our Mediator.  Through the mediation process, we were able to negoiate with the other side and leave the table satisfied with the outcome.  Everyone did a really good job and I think we all left feeling good about the way the mediation session went.  One of the great things about mediation is that it is a way to avoid court, which if successful, will save clients both time and money.  Mediation is a great alternative and helps facilitate positive outcomes for both sides of a dispute. 

Regardless of your interests, RWU has a club for everyone.  Check out http://www.law.rwu.edu, click on the Current Students link and find a complete listing of clubs here at RWU School of Law!