1. In fewer than three sentences, what is the Halloum Negotiation Competition?
The Halloum Negotiation Competition is Berkeley Law’s internal negotiation competition where first-year Berkeley Law students get to jump right into deal-making, no prior experience necessary. It is a unique opportunity for 1Ls to compete and one of the best ways at Berkeley Law to gain real world experience as a corporate attorney by negotiating a business deal.
2. Wait, what is a negotiation competition? Am I qualified to do this?
A negotiation competition is a contest where students will negotiate in teams of two against one another based on a shared fact pattern and different confidential information provided to each side. Issues will be ripped right out of real life – but unlike real life, there will be a panel of judges grading you as you negotiate. Even students with zero negotiation experience are strongly encouraged to participate.
3. How can you judge a negotiation? What is the standard?
You will be judged on several aspects, such as: knowledge of the fact pattern, flexibility in deviating from plans or adapting strategy, outcome, team work, relationship between the negotiating teams, debriefing session, and negotiating ethics.
4. We compete with partners? But I’m a lone wolf!
The format of the tournament is designed to ensure that competitors get real world negotiation experience. In real life, you probably won’t be going into a multi-million dollar negotiation alone. Teamwork, communication, and development of personal relationships are all valuable skills that you should take with you into your professional life. You can pick your own partner for the tournament, or we will match you with one. Maybe you will make a friend!
5. Will there be a writing component?
Not this year. All rounds will be comprised of a 50-minute negotiation and a 7-minute debrief. That’s it. In future tournaments, there may be a writing component.
6. This sounds really difficult. I don’t think I have the time to do this.
Apart from the two mandatory training sessions and the two rounds of actual negotiation (three if you make it to the finals), it’s not that much work. Generally, it takes a few hours to read each fact pattern and develop a strategy with your partner. Ultimately, you will get out of the experience whatever time you put into it. You might want to practice with your partner over the break, but there is definitely no requirement.
7. Am I going to get feedback on my performance?
We will do our best to provide you with your judges’ score sheets after the preliminary rounds are over. That should give you an idea of how you did and where you can improve.
8. What if I cannot make it to the mandatory training sessions?
It is of the utmost importance that everyone starts off on a level playing field to ensure a high quality of competition. By signing up, you are committing yourself to attend both trainings. If you have an emergency and cannot attend, email the Directors at halloumnegotiation@law.berkeley.edu.