October 8, 2024

UOW Law students represents Australia at prestigious International Negotiations Competition

University of Wollongong (UOW) law students Lachlan McInerney and Fergus Pandy proudly represented Australia in the prestigious 26th Annual International Negotiations Competition, held at the Tribunal de Contas do Amazonas in Manaus, Brazil. This event is renowned as one of the oldest and most esteemed international competitions for law students.

Lachlan and Fergus earned their spot on the international stage following their impressive performance in the 2023 National Negotiation Competition, where they triumphed against 30 law schools from Australia and New Zealand.

The competition this year focused on negotiations surrounding international transactions and disputes, with a significant emphasis on environmental issues. The UOW duo excelled in all their rounds, facing off against teams from Scotland, Wales, and India. Their journey culminated in a final four-way negotiation against teams from Canada, New Zealand, and Wales, where they narrowly finished 5th on points.

Reflecting on the experience, Lachlan and Fergus expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. “Competing against some of the best negotiators in the world, both in terms of judges and competitors, was an invaluable learning experience,” Fergus noted. “The chance to engage in alternative dispute resolutions in such a critical context is priceless.”

This marks the second time a team from the University of Wollongong Law School has represented Australia in this esteemed competition, underscoring the school’s commitment to fostering exceptional opportunities for its students. “The opportunities available to law students are everywhere,” Lachlan remarked. “This all started with Fergus and I signing up for our internal negotiations competition, and just a year later, we were representing Australia in Brazil.”

As they return home, Lachlan and Fergus look forward to applying their newfound skills and insights to their studies and future careers, showcasing the remarkable potential of the University of Wollongong law students on the global stage.