Read the full interview below:

Q: When developing the case scenarios for the inaugural Maxwell Challenge, what were some of the key considerations you kept in mind to ensure they were both realistic and educational?

It was key to balance both realism and the needs of an educational event. So while the cases need grounding in disputes that occur around the world, they also need to be fairly balanced in terms of each side’s strengths, weaknesses, and leverage. They have to be concise and clear, with no redundant information, and manageable for preparation and for a mediation session within competition timeframes. Student teams should find a balance between freedom to select their own focus and clear parameters to stay within. To come back to realism: settlement should be possible but challenging.

Q: Looking back on the drafting process, what was one aspect of the case scenarios or competition format that you think will provide the greatest learning opportunity for students?

Students come with different backgrounds and skills. Some will benefit from understanding the commercial interests underlying the cases, others from engaging in mediation as a process, and others from communication skills including oral advocacy, negotiation, and listening. They should all benefit from the special energy that mediation competitions generate.

Q:What advice would you give to students as they prepare for the inaugural Maxwell Challenge?

Focus on process and substance, and then again on process.