A Historic Triumph in Paris
The University of Auckland's law students have once again proven their prowess on the international stage by clinching the top prize at the 21st ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, held in Paris from February 2 to 7, 2026. This prestigious event, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), brought together 58 teams from 34 countries to showcase skills in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), specifically mediation. The Auckland team defeated Bucerius Law School from Germany in a nail-biting final, securing first place and underscoring New Zealand's strength in legal education.
This victory marks a significant moment for New Zealand higher education, highlighting the Faculty of Law's commitment to practical, globally relevant training. In a field where mediation is increasingly vital for resolving commercial disputes efficiently, such achievements position University of Auckland graduates as top talents for international careers.
Meet the Champions: The University of Auckland Team
The winning squad featured Jumana Maash and Chloe Mills representing the requesting party on stage during the final, with Samuel Foote and Benjamin Jones providing crucial support from the audience. Their coaches, Annabelle Kay and Ji Min Seo, guided the team through rigorous preparation and the high-pressure environment of Paris.
Chloe Mills reflected on the experience: “We are so proud to win this prestigious prize. It is a great reward after an intensive week... It was truly a team effort and that’s what makes this victory so special to us.” This all-around preparation allowed them to excel in over 95 mock mediation sessions throughout the competition.
These students, drawn from the University of Auckland's Faculty of Law, exemplify the dedication fostered in New Zealand's leading law program. For aspiring lawyers, stories like theirs inspire pursuit of specialized skills through university moots and competitions.
The Coaches Who Made It Possible
Annabelle Kay and Ji Min Seo played pivotal roles as coaches, leveraging their expertise in mediation advocacy. Kay, a notable alumna, has prior experience in international competitions, while Seo's strategic insights helped refine the team's approach to interest-based negotiation.
Their guidance was essential in navigating the competition's demands, from written submissions to live mediations. In New Zealand's higher education landscape, such mentorship highlights how faculty and alumni collaborate to produce world-class talent. This model benefits students aiming for roles in lecturer jobs or legal practice post-graduation.
Coaches like Kay and Seo not only prepare teams for victory but also instill lifelong skills in collaborative problem-solving, crucial for New Zealand's evolving legal sector.
What is the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition?
The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition (ICCMC) is an annual event simulating real-world commercial disputes under ICC Mediation Rules. Full name: International Chamber of Commerce International Commercial Mediation Competition. It trains future lawyers in mediation, an ADR process where a neutral third party facilitates agreement between disputing parties, avoiding litigation.
Unlike arbitration, mediation focuses on interests rather than rights, often preserving business relationships. The 2026 edition expanded to 58 teams, featured three-judge panels in preliminaries, and culminated in finals at Sciences Po's Émile Boutmy Lecture Hall. Over 280 students and 120 professionals participated, emphasizing mediation's global rise—ICC registered 36 requests in 2025 alone.
Learn more about ICC MediationCompetition Format: From Prelims to Final Glory
The competition began with written problem submissions, followed by preliminary rounds, octo-finals, and knockout stages. Each mediation session lasted structured times, including caucuses (private meetings) and joint sessions. The final mock dispute involved a joint venture dispute over handbag brands, mediated by Bill Wood from London, written by Jody Sin from Hong Kong.
- Preliminaries: Top performance among 58 teams
- Octo-finals and beyond: Progressive elimination
- Final: University of Auckland vs. Bucerius Law School
Judges praised the Auckland team's sophisticated communication. Runner-ups included University of New South Wales (Australia) and University of Vienna (Austria). Watch the final on ICC YouTube.
Photo by Gaurav Kumar on Unsplash
University of Auckland's Legacy of Excellence
Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, boasts a dominant history in ICCCMC, winning four straight titles from 2019 to 2022 and repeating against Bucerius in 2020 and 2026. The Faculty of Law, New Zealand's top-ranked by QS, excels in ADR moots, attracting students globally.
This track record reflects robust higher education investment in practical legal training. Past wins, like the 2021 all-women final, showcase sustained excellence. For New Zealand universities, such successes elevate profiles amid participation rates lagging global averages.
Key Skills Developed Through Mediation Training
Participating in ICCCMC hones essential competencies:
- Interest-based negotiation: Identifying underlying needs
- Active listening and empathy: Building rapport across cultures
- Creative problem-solving: Crafting win-win solutions
- Cultural sensitivity: Navigating international disputes
- Advocacy under pressure: Adapting in real-time
In New Zealand, where mediation resolves many employment and commercial issues via free services, these skills are invaluable. ICC Secretary General Alexander G. Fessas noted mediation's 70%+ settlement rate.
Students like those from Auckland gain edges for academic CVs and careers.
Boost for New Zealand Higher Education
This win spotlights NZ's higher ed strengths in law and ADR, countering challenges like stagnant participation. University of Auckland's success draws international students, enhancing diversity and funding. It aligns with NZ's dispute resolution culture, where mediation is embedded in courts and employment law.
Stakeholders view it as validation of experiential learning. For colleges nationwide, it sets a benchmark. Explore opportunities at NZ university jobs and higher ed positions.
Career Prospects in Mediation for NZ Law Graduates
Mediation skills open doors in NZ's legal market, from commercial firms to government roles. With rising ADR demand, graduates excel in:
- Employment mediation (free via Employment NZ)
- Commercial dispute resolution
- International arbitration support
- Faculty positions teaching ADR
University of Auckland alumni leverage wins for top firms. Check higher ed jobs or professor jobs for related openings.
Reactions and Insights from Experts
Judge Tat Lim lauded the final's sophistication. Opponent Anna Maria Amann appreciated growth through challenges. Nina Khouri from Auckland Law School celebrated on LinkedIn.
X trends highlighted NZ pride, with ICC posts garnering buzz. This victory reinforces UoA's reputation, inspiring peers.
Looking Ahead: NZ's Role in Global ADR
With mediation's growth, NZ higher ed must expand ADR programs. UoA's win signals readiness for 22nd ICCCMC. Future focus: integrating AI in mediation, regional hubs.
For students, competitions build networks. Visit higher ed career advice for tips, rate my professor for insights.
Why This Matters for Aspiring Legal Professionals
This triumph celebrates collaborative skills vital today. Encourage engagement via comments. Discover jobs at higher-ed-jobs, university-jobs, post your resume with our free resume template.