From L: Latifa El Shafei, David Ridley & Adam Davies
Latifa El Shafei and David Ridley, both members of ALP and recent graduates of The University of Aberdeen, are competing in the International Negotiation Competition final this week.
The International Negotiation Competition (INC) is a law student competition in which a team of two law students representing a client negotiates, either an international transaction or the resolution of an international dispute, with an opposing team. The 2015 final is being held in Dublin this week.
To gain a place at the final, Latifa and David first had to go up against others at Aberdeen in an internal competition. They then faced teams from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Robert Gordon universities to win the Scottish final in Glasgow.
David, while discussing what made the pair enter the competition, said,
"We were first told about the competition by one of the tutors on the Diploma course, and saw it as a great opportunity to pick up skills which will benefit us in our future careers. Latifa and I have worked together before throughout university, particularly in our various roles at The Aberdeen Law Project. We therefore knew that we could make a great team but nonetheless are delighted to have been selected to represent Scotland in the International final, particularly as the teams we have faced to get to this point were all very strong."
Later, when talking about the final itself, David explained that,
"The judging panel will consist of lawyers, business people and leading professors of law from the participating countries. We certainly do not underestimate how tough the international competition will be. There will be teams from top universities across the world, all with diverse negotiating styles."
Latifa added,
"It has been a great experience and we are looking forward to the international aspect of the competition. Meeting with other countries at such an early stage in our careers is such a great opportunity. Especially as it has challenged us to think about practicalities that studying hasn't, namely doing business, particularly with people from different cultures."
Fellow former Diploma student Adam Davies, a winner of the national competition in 2011, coached David and Latifa through the internal process. He commented,
"Having competed in the international competition myself, it's been a great experience to pass on my experience and watch David and Latifa grow in their skill and approach. They have dedicated a lot of time in their preparation and stand a good chance in doing very well in Dublin."
For now, all ALP can do is cross our fingers and wish David and Latifa the very best of luck this week!